* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Bizen tradition (Sue-Bizen)Kotō (Old Swords)
Osafune Munemitsu
長船宗光
Description
Lineage
Osafune Munemitsu was a late-Muromachi-period (Sue-Bizen) swordsmith of Osafune in Bizen Province, holding the title Sakyo-no-jo.
Career
Together with Ukyo-no-suke Katsumitsu he was a leading figure among the Osafune smiths, wielding influence under the patronage of Akamatsu Masanori of Harima. A wakizashi dated Bunmei 13 (1481), held by the Tokyo National Museum, is listed in the Cultural Heritage Online database.
Style
The hamon of gunome mixed with choji seen on that blade is regarded as characteristic of late Bizen work.