A magnificent Tsuba in Kin Zogan technique by Master craftsman from the Umetada school
The Umetada school was one of the most prolific schools of Japanese sword fittings with there origins in the Momoyama period. Under the influence of the artistic genious Umetada Myoju the school flourished in Kyoto by the introduction of new design interpretations and a style which was representing the aesthetics of the tea ceremony. The Umetada family had been working for the Daimyou and been creating gold inlaid insriptions on swords attributed by the Hon’ami. We can thus find many great Umetada pieces showing magnificent gold inlay works in different techniques.
This Tsuba was made by applying Hira Zogan as well as in Nunome Zogan. The Hira Zogan technique was used to decorate the covers of the two books on the bottom of the Tsuba, the surfaces of which are covered with thin Shakudo and Shibuichi plates on top of which the gold was added. The Nunome Zogan technique was used to decorate the Kanji on the scroll on top and of the book on the right which were carved from the iron base metal.
The design of this large Umetada Tsuba shows three books on the bottom under a large scroll. The scroll is decorated with old Kanji reciting a prayer for good fortune. Two of the books are titled and are both old chinese books on military strategies (the book of Wu and the Wei Liaozi). The inner design elements are surrounded by a thick iron rim giving this Tsuba a bold and strong appearance.
As many Umetada Tsuba, this piece is signed ‘Umetada’ only and thus it is difficult to trace it back to a certain master. Due to the great amount of detail it is likely that it was made by an early master from the Edo Umetada Shigeyoshi line. A similar design is known from a Juyo Tsuba by Shigeyoshi.
Overall a great piece and example for the high quality and skills of the Umetada school.
Attributed to Umetada by an NBTHK Hozon certificate.
Comes with a custom made box.
H: 84 mm
W: 83 m
R: 4.3 mm
Sd: 4 mm
