Myochin Munenao

[mrp]

Greetings to the community from a first-poster! I'm curious if there is knowledge on a late Edo period (?) Myochin school smith by the name of Munenao. There are several bits and pieces of information floating around about Myochin Munenao and also a Kojima Munenao. As the Kojima school was a fraction of Myochin, both from Kaga, could these be considered the same person? 

 

If there is any literature or writing about the Myochin school and this particular smith available, would greatly appreciate if you could share. 

 

Bonus question for the experts! Can this be a Myochin Munenao signature?

 

 

[uwe]

Hi and welcome Mark!

 

The mei actually reads “明珍紀宗直” (Myōchin ki Munenao). The fact that the smith used “紀” in his signature suggests that he was not related to the Kaga Kojima guy!

But to be sure, we need a picture of the helmet in question!

[uwe]

Hmm,
based on the signature the Munenao from “嘉永” (1848-1853) comes to mind…..(without warranty!).

Well, no pics, no further info!