Japonské tantô ze 16. stol. - období Tensho - mistr BIZEN Osafune Harumitsu 春光
Tantô, 16th
century by the blacksmith Bizen Harumitsu
(春光). There were several
blacksmiths working in the mid to late 16th century who used the
Harumitsu name. Their signatures often included their names and that
made identification a bit easier. It is signed by Bishû (not) Jû Osafune
Harumitsu. The signature style resembles that used by Jûrôzaemonnojô
Harumitsu, who worked around the Tensho era (1570). This was a period of
intense warfare throughout Japan and swords were in high demand. This
tantô appears to be an excellent example of what is called kazu-uchi
mono made to meet the needs of fighting armies. In general, blacksmiths
like Harumitsu also made what are called chûmon-uchi swords, that is,
carefully made, high-quality swords on which they proudly put their full
name, place of residence, and the date the sword was made. He is
classified as a wazamono blacksmith. This means that his swords are
classified as having excellent cutting ability.
This tanto has a
cutting edge of 9.625 inches or 24.5 cm. The moto-haba (width at the
base) is 0.95 inches or 2.42 cm and the saki-haba (width at the point)
is 0.73 inches or 1.85 cm. The kasano (thickness of the blade) is 0.24
inches or 0.58 cm. The blade has only a very slight koshi-sori
(curvature). The jigane (metal grain) is a combination of tight ko-itame
mixed with thick mokume in areas. There seems to be a fair amount of
utsuri throughout the ji which should stand out beautifully if the blade
had a touch up polish. The hamon (temper line) is an irregular, jagged
midare that might be called a nie-kuzuri. This is typical of the swords
of the late Bizen school. The nakago is ubu with two mekugi-ana (holes).
This
blade comes with a very nice set of mounts (koshirae) as shown below.
This koshirae is in excellent condition. It also comes with NBTHK Hozon
papers which attest to the validity of the signature and the quality of
the sheet. There is also a shirasaya and a silver habaki.
The British Museum has given to its credit two swords of the blacksmith Bizen Osafune Harumitsu 1570 Tensho period.
-
195 750 CZK