Unusual Gunto Tsuba

[kyushukairu]

I recently came across this unusual gunto tsuba and was wondering whether anyone has encountered anything similar? At first I assumed it was a Chinese 'interpretation' but it appears to be well made and shows originality, rather than being a crude copy. That is, rather than just sakura (cherry blossom), it also portrays orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo in relief. If authentic, I imagine it would have been mounted on a colonial officer's sword, perhaps with each of the symbols representing a particular state (e.g. the orchid was the national flower of Manchukuo). Any thoughts?

[lonely panet]

no idea, but very cool

[IJASWORDS]

Nice! Looks like a possible tsuba used on a showa period civilian sword, or even a non-military personal authorized to carry a sword as a mark of status. I have however never seen this one. 

I would assume there are more out there, as the time and expense required for the dies would need to be recouped over a significant production run.  

[Jon MB]

The blossom could be an incarnation of the Guomindang/ Kuomintang plum blossom symbol.

[tokashikibob]

Very nice and unusual.   Where did it pop up at?

[Mister Gunto]

I haven't seen one like this before. Looks too well detailed to be a recent Chinese copy. As mentioned above, could be a civilian military employee pattern. Nice.