Kunishige (Hawley KUN 1048)

[Veli]

Hi All!

 

Does anyone have any further information about this swordsmith who worked in Bitchu, Shinano and Chikuzen in late 18th century? What do you think; what makes her such a very special swordsmith, at least according to Hawley...

 

BR, Veli

[george trotter]

Hi Veli,

Hawley is the only compilation I have seen that refers to a woman swordsmith....it would be a hard thing to explain in a male-dominated society...perhaps, like the English gun trade in the 18th-19th century, a wife assisted her husband, and as a widow continued on in the business (a number of cases appear in the gun and edged weapons trade)...they must have been a rare item in Japan as they get no mention elswhere that I know of.

Back in the 70s-80s there was a female Nihonto collector in New Zealand, but I can't remember her name...I wonder if she is still around?...I wonder also if any woman is a member of this board? it would be a good thing I think.

Regards,

George.

[Nobody]

AKA Kunishige Ogen (國重お源):

1733-1808

A sword smith in mid-late Edo period

Born in the 18th year of Kyoho (享保) era, A daughter of Mizuta Denjuro Kunishige (水田傳十郎國重) of Butchu Shitsuki-gun Ebara-go (備中後月郡荏原郷), The father died when she was 16, and her uncle Banjuro Kunishige (伴十郎國重) who took care of her also died after five years. She studied under Chikuzen Nobukuni (筑前信國) and became a famous female sword smith. Her smith name was Onna Kunishige (女國重). She died in the 5th year of Bunka (文化) era. Her family name was Otsuki (大月).

 

Rer. http://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%9B%BD%E9%87 ... A%E6%BA%90

[george trotter]

That is great information Moriyama san. I wonder if she signed as Onna Kunishige...or maybe Otsuki Kunishige. It would be great to identify her work.

George.

[Nobody]

It is said that at least a tanto with a mei “大月女源 備中荏原住國重 (Otsuki Ogen (reading?), Bitchu Ebara ju Kunishige) still exists.

[Veli]

Ah, what a great source of information this forum is! Thank You so much once again, Moriyama san!

 

I assume this tanto has enormous historical and collecting value, being the only known piece of its kind...

 

In any case, this lady swordsmith excercised her profession openly and also earned respect for her skill. This fact gives me personally a new insight into the history of the Japanese society.

 

By the way, we have at least two lady members: Anne Brewer from Texas and Paola from Italy

 

BR, Veli

[Toryu2020]

Fukunaga Suiken Sensei has a whole chapter on Women Swordsmiths in one of his books BTW...

-t

[Nobody]

Unfortunately I do not have the book, but that may be this one.

Ref. http://shishimaki.exblog.jp/8377336/

[george trotter]

What a great site this is...and great members. So much knowledge. I am pleased that this is not just a boys club...glad to hear we have ladies too.

George.

[mizuta]

Does Moriyama San have any more photos possably of where Yamashiro Daijo Minamoto Kunishige lived

Regards

Bernard

[k morita]

Hi,

I think that we should integrate the following thread and this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10282&p=86270#p86270

[obiwanknabbe]

I wanted to revive this older topic and add another specimen to discuss. I recently was able to attend the exhibit at the Ann & Gabriel Barbier- Muller Museum in Dallas Texas. On display, there was buried in the corner, a Yari forged by Onna Kunishige. It was difficult to get the phone camera to focus through the glass, but regardless its interesting to see another work for this little known but very interesting smith.

 

Does anyone have any other shots with more detail of her work? This would be a great subject for a biography. What an interesting life she must have led.

 

Kurt k

[Greg F]

Hi Kurt, i hadnt heard of a female smith before, Wow very interesting! Cheers.

 

Greg

[Gordon Sanders]

I bought the museum book when I was home for christmas.  I will see if there is a picture of it within