Japanese Katana Signed “Bizen Osafune Sukesada” with Dragon Horimono (SW2003)

Nagasa: 24 5/8 inches  This striking Japanese katana is signed Bizen Osafune Sukesada and measures 24 5/8 inches in blade length. The blade is of shinogi-zukuri form with well-balanced curvature and a clean, elegant sugata typical of revival-era craftsmanship. The surface presents a bright polish with a defined temper line and is further enhanced by an impressive, deeply carved dragon horimono extending along the omote. The dragon is executed with exceptional crispness and detail, its scales and claws sharply defined, creating dramatic visual depth and strong symbolic presence. Dragons in Japanese sword tradition represent strength, protection, and spiritual power — making this blade as symbolic as it is visually compelling.  The sword is mounted in a cohesive and high-quality civilian koshirae featuring a rich red lacquer saya with subtle gold fleck decoration and brown silk sageo. The iron tsuba and matching fuchi-kashira are decorated with silver inlaid yanone (ceremonial arrowheads), a classic samurai motif symbolizing martial readiness and warrior virtue. The tsuka is wrapped in brown silk over white samegawa with matching yanone menuki, completing a unified martial theme throughout the mountings. The fittings display refined workmanship consistent with late 19th to early 20th century revival metalwork.  This katana represents a fine example of early 20th century traditionally styled Japanese sword production — a period when classical Bizen names and warrior symbolism were intentionally revived in high-quality artistic blades. Visually dramatic and thematically cohesive, it is an attractive and complete mounted sword that displays beautifully while honoring traditional Japanese martial aesthetics.