A Sukemitsu Katana (助光)

The magnificent koshi-zori shape of this early Muromachi katana speaks directly to its roots in the horseback tradition of the Kamakura period. The deep curvature centred at the waist – a form associated with the great tachi of the Heian and Kamakura eras – places this blade at a fascinating transitional moment in Japanese sword history. The NBTHK has dated the sword to the Muromachi period, and W.M. Hawley’s reference lists a Bizen Sukemitsu working at around 1394, which aligns with the Oei era attribution. The possibility of a connection to the famed Yoshioka Ichimonji School, which produced a Sukemitsu signing with deep koshi-zori in the late Kamakura period, adds further intrigue to the blade’s lineage.

The blade carries a classic two-character katana-mei – Suke / mitsu – cut with the confidence of a Koto-period craftsman. The jihada is ko-mokume with chikei, ashi, and light midare utsuri, the steel radiating the characteristic blue tinge of high-quality Bizen work. The hamon is bright gunome choji-midare – lively and technically accomplished. The boshi is a pleasing mix of hakikake and midare-komi.

The blade has served in battle and been polished many times across the centuries. As a result, there is some hada-ware – openings at the folds of the steel – along the body. On a signed Koto blade of this age, character, and shape, such wear is entirely forgivable. The NBTHK agreed, awarding Hozon certification. Also worthy of note is the sword’s torokusho (registration card), registered in Akita in April 1951 – the very first year swords were formally registered in Japan. With a serial number of just 839, this blade was almost certainly held by a prominent former Daimyo family. The silver niju-habaki with rain pattern is an elegant finishing touch.