Kozori Kanemitsu

Kozori Kanemitsu is an Important Cultural Property tachi forged by Kanemitsu (dates unknown, active around the mid-14th century), a swordsmith of the Nanbokuchō period and representative of the Bizen Osafune school. The name "Kozori" derives from the "Kozori School," a collateral branch of Bizen Osafune smiths, which collectively designated Osafune forges outside the main Kagemitsu-Kanemitsu lineage in the late Nanbokuchō period.

Kanemitsu is regarded as the son or disciple of Kagemitsu and was an active swordsmith during the turbulent Nanbokuchō era. While he is known for producing many large-scale ōdachi and nodachi with long measurements, broad width, and bold character to meet the demands of the age, he also left works possessing elegant proportions in the Kamakura style, such as Kozori Kanemitsu.

Kanemitsu's hamon is characterized above all by gunome-chōji and ō-gunome as its primary elements, with abundant nie and rich scenery within the blade being his most distinctive feature. Kozori Kanemitsu's hamon is based on Kanemitsu's characteristic ō-gunome-midare, with long ashi flowing into the blade, and appraisers particularly prize the richness of hamon variation from mid-blade to the tip.

The jigane displays complex flowing itame mingled with mokume, with thick ji-nie radiating deep luster. The vivid utsuri characteristic of Bizen-den, with uniform moistness felt across the entire surface, represents the highest standard of Nanbokuchō-period Bizen quality.

Among Kanemitsu's tachi, this work bearing the elegant name "Kozori" is a rare blade in which the grace of Kamakura aesthetics and the vigor of the Nanbokuchō era are harmoniously balanced, and is a frequently cited work in sword scholarship.