S0388

Hold

Well, it happens.  Not frequently, but it happens.  The buyer decided that there wasn't hamon in the point, not understanding that the hamon just narrows, as can be seen in the lower image.  Granted, it is difficult to see, but these pictures do not show the polisher's keisho finish, which makes the temper appear to be wide throughout.

An ubu tanto signed, Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada, dated, Tensho san nen hachi gatsu hi.  (a day in August 1575).  Moroba (bamboo leaf),  ubu, two mekugiana.   Hawatare  6 sun 6 bu (20.1 cm / 7.9")  Motohaba: 2.3 cm.  Kasane: 7 mm at the shinogi.  Nioi based suguba ko-midare with a wide soft habuchi, small kinsuji, on both edges of the blade.  The hada is itame nagare,   Mounted in shirasaya with a silver habaki.  This has not been submitted to shinsa.

I have found eighteen Sukesada listed as Tensho being their central time of production, if those a few years before and after are included, that number increases substantially.  Examples of this form can be found in Yosozaemonjo and Hikobeijo, and I don't know who else, so this is an unknown quantity, and perhaps an opportunity for a horidaishi.  I took this in on a debt, so it is priced at a non-treasure  level.   $1,400.  

Scan, so few details are clear, only shape and tempered edge.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Hamon dips toward the ha at the fukura.

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Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada / Tensho san nen hachi gatsu hi.

Bizen Harumitsu - Token Hakubutsukan

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