A sword signed “Bizen no Kuni Osafune Kiyomitsu” (備前国長船清光), measuring 59.4 cm in blade length. The Kiyomitsu line was active in Osafune village of Bizen Province (modern Okayama Prefecture) during the mid-Muromachi period (16th century), and is particularly renowned for producing elegant fighting swords with flamboyant Bizen characteristics.
This blade is carved with a dramatic dragon (ryū) horimono, adding further artistic and symbolic appeal. The steel shows a classic Bizen jigane with rich activity, consistent with work of the Kiyomitsu group. It is mounted in a leather-covered scabbard, a style commonly used by officers during World War II, indicating that the blade was refitted and carried in service during the Pacific War.
A striking example of Muromachi-period Bizen craftsmanship later adapted for 20th-century military use — combining artistic sword carving, traditional Bizen workmanship, and wartime provenance in a single piece.