394. KATANA WITH THE INSCRIPTION “BIZEN KUNI OSAFUNE JŪ NAGAYOSHI SAKU” JAPAN, 19TH–20TH CENTURY

A classic Japanese katana in complete mountings, with lacquered scabbard and a traditionally wrapped handle. The blade has a moderate curvature (torii-zori), executed in shinogi-zukuri form with a medium-sized chū-kissaki. The tang (nakago) bears the inscription “備前國長船住長義作” (Bizen kuni Osafune jū Nagayoshi saku), translated as “Made by Nagayoshi, resident of Osafune in Bizen Province.” Although the inscription follows the authentic formula, stylistic and technical analysis indicates that it belongs to a later period and represents a gimei (imitation) of the signature of the legendary 14th-century Bizen master.

The blade displays a neat gunome-midare temper line (hamon), a faint surface grain (jihada), and characteristics typical of late Shōwa-period forging. The iron guard (tsuba) is simple and functional. The handle (tsuka) is covered with ray skin (samegawa) and tightly bound with a cotton cord. The lacquered scabbard (saya) is decorated with a red-and-black kawari-nuri pattern, typical of ceremonial or officer’s swords of the early 20th century.

Signature:
Inscription on the tang: 備前國長船住長義作 (Bizen kuni Osafune jū Nagayoshi saku).
Executed by a later hand, classified as gimei (forged signature).

Material:
Steel, iron, brass, ray skin (samegawa), cotton wrapping, urushi lacquer.

Dimensions:
Blade length (approx.): 70–72 cm
Overall length in scabbard: about 100 cm

Condition:
Good condition. Light signs of age on the guard and handle, natural darkening of the wrapping. The blade shows even surface patina with no traces of corrosion. The inscription is clear and well-preserved.

Provenance:
Private European collection.