Pair of Japanese Swords with Matching Koshirae Including: Katana and Late Muromachi-Period Wakizashi Attributed to "Katsumitsu"

1.) Katana - 25.75" nagasa. 39.5" overall. Curved shinogi-zukuri blade with an unsigned two hole nakago. Blade features itame hada, sugu hamon, chu kissaki, and ihori mune. Koshirae does not fit correctly as nakago appears to be slightly too wide for tsuka, making it very difficult to remove.

2.) Wakizashi - 17.25" nagasa. 27.5" overall. Slightly curved shinogi-zukuri blade with single hole nakago and two character mei that appears to be signed "Katsumitsu". Blade has itame hada, midare-yahazu hamon, chu kissaki, and ihori mune.

The name "Katsumitsu" belonged to a family of swordsmiths from the Bizen (Osafune) school, active 1392-1594 during the late Muromachi Period. It is believed that there were nine Katsumitsu swordsmiths active during these years. The most renowned swordsmith of this family was known to sign his blades, Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu (believed to have been most active 1478-1484), and they are highly sought after.

Both blades were mounted in matching koshirae at some point. Koshirae features a black lacquered saya with single kurikata. Tsubas are shakudo with chiseled floral motifs accented with gold foil, and German silver seppas. Tsukas feature brown ito, white same, as well as matching shakudo menuki, fuchi, and kashira. Tsubas and fuchi are both marked with three character mei.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Both blades show scattered light scratches, grain openings, and some sprinkled pit marks. Koshirae is in good condition, with some very light denting to kashira on katana. Mei on wakizashi shows some wear to first character.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Arms, Armor and Militaria Online

Pair of Japanese Swords with Matching Koshirae Including: Katana and Late Muromachi-Period Wakizashi Attributed to "Katsumitsu"

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup