Tuba2769a

KIRI openwork Tsuba

signed Shindo Go-tetsu ren Myōchin Ki MUNESUKE

Iron ground, Round shape, Openwork, Kebori-carving, Countoured Square mimi edge, both Hitsu-ana punches

83.8mm x 83.9mm 5.6mm thick (Mimi) / 6.1mm thick (Seppa-dai)

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate

MUNESUKE 宗介 of the Myōchin lineage, originally bearing the surname Masuda 增田. He was appointed Governor of Ōsumi 大隅守 and assumed the court title Shikibu-jō 式武丞, adopting the family name “Ki” 紀. There are extant works inscribed with his age, including pieces dated Kyōhō 3 (aged 77) and Kyōhō 8 (aged 82).

In addition to iron tsuba, surviving works include armor (gusoku) and helmet bowls (kabuto-bachi). During the Edo period, he headed the main line of the Myōchin family and resided in Edo.