長船盛光
Osafune Morimitsu
Description
Osafune Morimitsu is the foremost swordsmith of the "Oei Bizen" period — the early Muromachi era (ca. 1394–1427) production of the Osafune school of Bizen Province. Along with his contemporary Osafune Yasumitsu, Morimitsu represents the transition of Bizen sword-making from the Kamakura golden age to a new Muromachi aesthetic, and is the only smith of the Oei Bizen period to receive the highest "Saijōsaku" (masterwork) ranking from traditional sword appraisers. His jihada displays the finest qualities of Bizen tradition: a tightly forged ko-itame with clear bo-utsuri (straight shadow along the ji), while his hamon features dynamic gunome-midare and choji patterns with a distinctive brightness and nie-activity that is his personal trademark. The "sae" (clarity and brilliance) of Morimitsu's hamon is consistently cited as his most characteristic and prized quality. Morimitsu signed extensively with long mei "Bishu Osafune Morimitsu," often with date inscriptions, which has greatly aided historical research. His works are held by major national institutions including the Tokyo National Museum and Kyoto National Museum, as well as transmitted through former daimyo houses. He stands as one of the essential masters of the Bizen tradition.
Famous Works
- 刀（重要文化財・東京国立博物館）
- 太刀「備州長船盛光」（重要文化財・京都国立博物館）