SIGNED BISHU OSAFUNE YASUMITSU - OEI 19TH YEAR (1412)

Yasumitsu ranks together with Morimitsu as the two major smiths of Bizen province during the Oei era (1394-1428). During the preceding Nanbokucho period the fashion had been for large and broad swords with gently expressive hamon in the so-called Soden Bizen style, influenced by the Soshu tradition (see lot number 293). But in the early 15th century, with the establishment of the Ashikaga government, smiths consciously reverted to versions of the early and middle Kamakura styles. Both suguha, and choji midare hamon with extreme fluctuations were made. Whereas Kamakura period blades exhibit midare utsuri, most Oei Bizen blades have a straight band, or bo-utsuri. There are many swords in existence made by the first and second generations signing Yasumitsu, and they mostly have bo-utsuri irrespective of whether the hamon is gunome, choji, or suguha. This blade, dated in accordance with the work of the first generation, has a broad bo-utsuri and a narrow suguha with a komaru boshi characteristic of the smith's work.