Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Lot 87: Bizen Osafune Kamakura Yoshikage Naginata Blade In Shirasaya
2026-09-26T15:00:00Z
Start price: CAD $500
Lot 87:
Bizen Osafune Kamakura Yoshikage Naginata Blade In Shirasaya
Description
The son of the great swordsmith Kagemitsu, Yoshikage was one of the famous swordsmiths of the 14th century. He specialized in naginatas, powerful swords like this one. The shirasaya, which authenticates the blade, is signed by Tanobe Sensei, one of the greatest sword experts in history, with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification.
The Yoshikage swordsmiths of the Bizen Osafune school were active during the late Kamakura and early Muromachi periods (1280-1370). Their blades were highly regarded for their distinctive steel patterns (hada) and temper lines (hamon), influenced by the prestigious Soshu school. Due to the age of these blades, authentic examples are prized museum pieces. Many possess preservation (Hozon) or high-level (Tokubetsu Hozon) certificates issued by the NBTHK (Japanese Art Sword Preservation Society).
Naginatas, a type of halberd, are ancient weapons that appeared around 1100. They are swords measuring 30 to 60 cm, mounted on shafts that can reach 2.7 meters in length. Warrior monks were specialists in their use, as evidenced by the numerous battles of Benkei, the most famous among them. They were particularly effective at breaking through the charge of horses. With the advent of firearms in 1543, they disappeared from the battlefield, but strangely enough, they became a symbol of the social status of female samurai. The naginata would now be part of a young woman’s dowry. Its length compensated for the difference in size, weight, and strength between men and women, allowing them to defend their home when their husbands were at war.
Shirasaya measures 27 inches L, blade measures 19.25 inches, cutting edge measures 18.25 inches L. Stand not included in lot.
Share this lot: