kunihiro tsuba with unusual shape

[Yamazakura Fr]

Hello

I have this kunihiro steel tsuba with unusual shape (7 cm/6 cm and 5 mm thick)

what do you think

Regards

[ROKUJURO]

BV,

please sign all posts at least with your first name so we could address you in a polite way. It is a rule here on NMB.

Photos should be made on a plain dark, non-reflecting background for good contrast.

Concerning your TSUBA, the shape is not unusual. It seems to have very different surface texture on URA and OMOTE. The MEI is somewhat shallow, so just by these photos, I cannot decide if it is a late cast copy of a KUNIHIRO TSUBA or an authentic one.

I have seen TSUBA with this signature in many different styles and shapes, including iron MOKUME.  

[MauroP]

Hi Bernard, as Jean already said, the shape is not unusual. Here's one of my tsuba. 
About the signature 國廣 (Kunihiro), it was supposedly used by several unrelated tsuba makers.

 

[Spartancrest]

 There is some speculation "Kunihiro" tsuba were also bought as "blanks" that other artists went on to decorate more lavishly - the metal was generally good quality. Perhaps this might explain why some of these look unfinished?