Ed

https://page.auction.../auction/g1107835756

Yes, I have seen few if any outside the parameters you mentioned.

Ok, I was going to say with a better photo of the area circled it could be determined whether it is a katana or wakizashi.

Here is one you will like. Cormorant fisherman, fishing under the moon and with a torch. Great detail, note the cormorant tossing the fish into the air before swallowing it.

Found a couple of additional moon themed tsuba. This one by Kuniharu with a moon barely peeking over the horizon. .

Similar to the Buddhist thoughts on Chawan. This is an excerpt from "The Wind And The Pines". "They are perfect in that, grasped in the light of wisdom-compassion just as they are, they are taken out of time and transcend all the petty judgments and ambitions that fill our lives. They are also imperfect in that they participate in our existence and we in theirs, and therefore, they are subject to all the flaws and infirmities of our lives. By this measure, those objects are most treasured that awaken one to this dual nature of one's existence, that draw one beyond oneself into a world of love that is no-self, and that work, as embodiments and instances of Buddha's compassion, to save one just as one is."

Fujishima was a school, not a smith. There were many Fujishima smiths. Those papers say it is mumei and attributed to the Fujishima school.

No problems with Robert. He is 110% honest and reliable. He will go above and beyond to make you happy.

Pm sent.

Kato Kanefusa, real name Kato Koichi, also known as 23rd generation Kanefusa as well as Fujiwara Kanefusa. He was trained by Kato Yosinosuke Jumyo. Kanefusa was rated as a 1 million yen smith. He made medium to high grade Showato and medium to high grade Gendaito as in this example. He won 1st seat at the 1941 exhibition. Kanefusa is listed in the Toko Taikan (TK-126), Hawleys (KAN-799, 747, 801), Nihonto Meikan (NMK-179), and Sesko’s, Sword Smiths of Japan pg 200 (see below). His work can be seen in Slough’s, Modern Japanese Sword Smiths pg 39

He is referring to the torokusho or license required for possession in Japan. Torokusho are NOT papers. They relate whatever is inscribed on the blade with no regard for legitimacy. They are only for identification of the sword as is. Papers are kanteisho issued by the NBTHK or NTHK, etc., for authentication. They are the worlds best scholars, but do remember they are opinions only. One group may disagree with another's opinion.

I have a few of these, from simple to elaborate. This is a fine Umetada presentation piece in the shape of Inome with a shishi carved in sukashi inside.

Living along the Mississippi flyway I can tell you the geese do fly at night, seen it many times. Perhaps more on a moonlit night, but I have heard them overhead when I could not see them. I don't think navigating is more difficult for them in dark than daylight. It has more to do with some innate knowledge they are born with and perhaps the magnetic poles than day/night. Though many are, not all moon scenes are combined with clouds. See the Ariyoshi I posted, moon no clouds. I have several more "moon" Tsuba / Tosogu. Digging them out is the issue. Here is one more.

If you decide to venture outside Europe, shoot me an email, I may have something which will work. I wouldn't worry too much about customs and red tape. With low budget items like that and using the correct tariff code should make such a transaction effortless.

Yeah, it has passed through a couple of hands since I let it go.

No, I think it may have been one I bought from the Met, but I can't remember for certain. It stayed in my collection for a long time, then I released it into the wild.

Moon and constellation

Ariyoshi pine / moon

Choshu Tomotsune Tsuki ni Ko-Mori (moon and bat)

To reiterate what has already been said, your "kunihro" doesn't stand a snowballs chance in hell of being a legit Horikawa Kunihiro. However there were many smiths who signed Kunihiro and it is possible that your sword could paper to one of them. ?? Here is a shoshin example of Horikawa Kunihiros mei so you can see the difference.

SOLD

$2000 plus s/h If interested contact me via email:Yakiba.com@gmail.com

There were several schools which made tsuba in this style. This one looks like "Bellflowers" to me. ?? This a Choshu school depicting a crab and Ran (orchid). Sunagawa Masayoshi Irises

You should take the time to get photos that are in focus when you want help. Additionally orienting them correctly would be a courtesy. You tsuba is signed Yanagawa Naoharu. The legitimacy of the mei is questionable.

Yes, I do not moderate that group so I can not comment further.