Help With Indentification

[Panama22191]

I have a family sword from wwii. I have shown it to various people and they have all said they never seen a tsuba like this. The sword seems very old also. I am attaching photos of the sword maker and tsuba also. The handle is in bad condition but the rest seems fine. If any one knows anything I would appreciate any information.

Thank You

Michael J.

[MauroP]

Welcome on NMB Michael.
You have an interesting Namban/Hizen tsuba (and the suriage tang of the sword looks also promising...)

 

Mauro

 

PS: the mei of tsuba should be 平戸住國重 Hirado jū Kunishige

[Michael 101]

Hello Michael,

 

Well I can say that the tsuba is made by Hirada Kunishige who was ( from memory) a Hizen based artist who was very influenced by his contact with the west. Hence the use of European lettering in its design.

 

Look him up for more information but his work is very collectable indeed.

 

Good find

 

Kindest regards

Michael

[Panama22191]

Thanks for the information, I am finally learning a lot about these. Didnt realize about all the different influences.

[Panama22191]

These were made in the Mid Edo period? What year range would this Tsuba been made in? Ive looked online at his work but only a couple examples are near this type of art work. I am very impressed with it now that I have seen others.

[vajo]

I like the sword

[Curran]

Cool beans! I just bought one of these a few week ago. I haven't taken photos of it yet.

 

Googling images like Michael, I see ones I owned and sold in the past.

One of the local collectors here in Florida has quite a few pieces by him.

 

PM sent to Michael with some info on Hirado Kunishige.