While my opinions on the origins of this sword align more with the suggestions that this entire sword is of European manufacture, made with composite impressions of Asian swords which were well known via trade and diplomatic relations...it would be very exciting if Radu's guess was right
Using evidence at hand, which includes a photo of only a small section of the forte of the blade, and an account of a museum label accompanying the sword and stating the blade is of oriental origin, it is clear much more proof is needed to prove this either way.
As I have mentioned in my earlier post, there was considerable diplomatic and trade activity with Japan during the 17th century, and it does seem remotely possible that a Japanese sword may have come into the Eastern European sphere via the Dutch East India Company. It is important to note that the Japanese did not engage in the trade of blades, and if a sword would have been issued or presented diplomatically, it would have been fully furbished.
Why then would a Japanese blade be mounted with an interpretive European hilt? and how would it have been obtained. The only plausible idea I can think of would be that a Japanese blade being kept in the shira-saya scabbard and apart from its mounts might have become separated from the hilt elements.
If this was the case, and if the sword carries historical data associated with its apparant importance, it seems the museums display would offer more.
Hopefully this will be forthcoming when Radu hears from them.
If, more likely, a Transylvanian swordsmith created this beautiful example it would be a testament to the outstanding craftsmanship of these ateliers for not only mounts, but blades as well.
In a thread some time ago, a similar case arose when we noticed a photo of the Sioux Chief Red Cloud, in his home c.1880's. On the wall behind him was clearly a Japanese katana! The discussion ensuing tried to determine what in the world was a Sioux Chief of the American Plains doing with a Japanese sword? It was pretty much agreed that the sword had come to Washington via diplomatic contact with Japan, and apparantly was given to Red Cloud in similar circumstances while he visited Washington during treaty engagements.
Later, more research suggested there were possibilities of swords coming to this continent from Asia, especially Japan via trade networks to the Northwest.
Another interesting instance of Japanese swords found in unexpected settings was a reference in Petersons "Arms and Armor in Colonial America", where a 'Japanese cutlass' is mentioned in an inventory sheet from the colonies in the 17th century. No explanatory data or further reference occurs, but the mention seems dynamically unusual!!
Best regards,
Jim