Bizen Yasumitsu Wakizashi
KK0528
An early Muromachi wakizashi signed, Bishu Osafune Yasu /(mitsu). Hiraizukure, iroi mune. The crisp horimono is futatsubi & bonji (?), ken & bonji (possibly kangeyasha myoo). o-suriage nakago, two mekugiana. Hawatare 1 shaku 0 sun 5 bu (31.817 cm / 12.526") motohaba: 2.88 cm. Kasane: 7.75 mm. The hada is itame slightly nagare. The hamon is a gunomemidare in nioideki. Strong midare utsure. The shodai Yasumitsu is rated Josaku in Fujishiro's Nihon Toko Jiten - Koto Hen; valued at 8,500,000 yen in Tokuno's Toko Taikan, Double circle in Nihonto Meikan; pictured in Nihonto Zuikan, Yumei Koto Taikan, Osafune Choshi (Machifubito) Fresh Japanese polish, shirasaya, habaki appears to be solid gold. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon kanteisho.
Correction: What I had thought were small ware are martinsite, that show black at on angle and silver at another.
The tsuka has excellent bright white same with large nodules. The fuchi is shakudo with fine, even, nanako. The kashira is horn. While it is impossible to properly evaluate the menuki under the wrap, they appear to be solid gold chrysanthemums. The small moku hamadashi tsuba is gilt shinchu. The one piece habaki appears to be solid gold. The black lacquer saya has a pocket for a missing kozuka, and a kaerizuno.
Unfortunately, the NBTHK doesn't share much information, other than genuine. The workmanship and the signatures of the first and second generations are very similar, and the condition of the nakago makes a definitive call difficult. However, the angle of the top stroke of the hito radical in Bi(shu) fits with the shodai, as well aas the superior horimono argues for the first generation. Where the nakago ubu, and signature clearer, I think this would be a candidate for juyo. $15,500
The tsuba
Compare With Shodai Yasumitsu Illustrated in Osafune Choshi
Utsure
Bonji
Correction: Not ware. These are martinsite, that show black at on angle and silver at another.
Bishu Osafune Yasu / (mitsu)
Hito Radical in Bishu
Shodai Nidai
Superior Large Nodule Same
Gold Chrysanthemum Menuki
Gold Habaki
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Kanteisho
Yumei Koto Taikan - First Generation
Osafune Choshi - First Generation
Nihon Toko Jiten - Koto Hen - First Generation
Toko Taikan - Shodai 8,500,000 yen