Tokubetsu Juyo Touken
Nagasa 71.2cm
Sori 2cm
Motohaba 2.7cm
Sakihaba 1.8cm
Introduction
The Osafune(長船) School represents the most prominent branch of the Bizen Tradition, a lineage renowned for its unparalleled contributions to Japanese swordmaking. Emerging from the Ko-Bizen (古備前) school, Osafune was founded by Mitsutada, whose robust and flamboyant choji-style tachi set a benchmark for excellence. Mitsutada’s legacy, marked by an impressive number of elite blades— 14 Juyo Bijutsuhin, 16 Juyo Bunkazai, and 3 National Treasures (Kokuho)—laid the foundation for a school that thrived under his successors.
Mitsutada’s(光忠) son, Nagamitsu(長光), elevated Osafune’s prominence through a blend of tradition and innovation. Training a host of master smiths, including his son Kagemitsu(景光) and brother Sanenaga(真長), Nagamitsu’s forge became a hub of unparalleled talent. With his blades recognized by 98 top rankings, including 6 Kokuho, Nagamitsu’s era marked the Osafune School’s golden age. His son, Kagemitsu, carried this tradition forward with works that achieved even greater refinement, often collaborating with his elusive younger brother, Kagemasa.
The Legacy of Kagemitsu and Kagemasa
Kagemitsu and Kagemasa, the sons of Nagamitsu, represent an extremely important formative chapter in the Osafune School’s history. Kagemitsuis widely considered to be one of the most skilled Bizen smiths of all time and he advanced the school in many meanful ways, such as the creation of the Kataochi Gunome type of Hamon. His brother Kagemasa, while less known due to the rarity of his works, was just as skilled, he worked together with Kagemitsu, and he also made swords with the Kataochi Gunome hamon as well. Their works were so close in deki, that many of Kagemitsu’s swords were actually shortened, leaving the Kage kanji in order to pass them off as Kagemitsu.
A crowning achievement of their partnership is the National Treasure tachi collaboratively signed by both smiths (景光 Kagemitsu and 景政 Kagemasa). Crafted in 1329 (Kareki 4) for the samurai Ōkawara Tokimoto, this blade measures 82.4 cm in nagasa with a 2.4 cm sori. Its exquisite ko-itame hada with midare utsuri and the Osafune hallmarks of refinement exemplify the school’s technical and artistic zenith.
This tachi, offered to the Hiromine Shrine in Harima Province, provides invaluable historical context. Its mei (inscription) not only confirms its origins but also highlights the collaboration of two exceptional smiths. Such a joint effort underscores the bond between Kagemitsu and Kagemasa and reflects the Osafune School’s collective ethos.
Tokubetsu Juyo Kagemasa Blade
Another highlight of Kagemasa’s(景政) legacy is the Tokubetsu Juyo blade from the 25th Shinsa, a masterpiece showcasing his independent genius. The measurements are 71.2 cm in nagasa with a 2.0 cm sori, the shape is done in shinogi-zukuri, koshizori curvature, and a chu-kissaki.
The hada is a built in ko-itame nagare, densely packed with jinie and chikei, strong midare utsuri is present and enhances the blade’s surface with a beautiful interplay of textures. Its hamon is a complex kaku-gunome with kataochi-gunome elements and ko-togariba, enriched by ashi and yo. The nioiguchi, constructed with ko-nie, radiates a brightness further accentuated by fine sunagashi. The boshi concludes in a graceful midarekomi.
This Tachi is one of Kagemitsu’s masterpieces. As an example of the the absolute best of the best when it comes to Osafune work, it really shows just how skilled Kagemasa was, especially in comparison to his brother Kagemitsu.
Generational Excellence of the Osafune School
I think the Osafune school’s most important factor is their amazing standard of excellence in each individual work. Almost every single known smith of the school are known to be very skilled. For example, Kanemitsu(兼光), one of the Masamune Juttetsu (Ten Great Students of Masamune) and his sons worked to advance the Osafune school. Kagemitsu’s son Yoshimitsu, and Motoshige, believed to be the son of Hatakeda Morishige worked together to further the school in the Nanbokucho period. Together, they cemented the school’s status as the largest forge of the Bizen province.
Conclusion
This Tokubetsu Juyo Osafune Kagemasa Tachi is so far the best work of the Osafune school I’ve personally held, based on the Kokuho Gassaku by Kagemitsu and Kagemasa. we can assume that he worked very close to his brother Kagemitsu. It’s a sword that I miss alot, but on my trips to Europe there will be other chances to see it in it’s new home. What an amazing sword.
