Period:

Mid-Muromachi to late Edo (ca. 1400 - 1867). Umetada Myoju emerged in the Momoyama period (1573-1623). Umetada guards began being produced in the Muromachi period. Those that predate Myoju are based on Shoami ideas and are called Ko-Umetada, or old Umetada.

Basic Shape:

Though the shapes are many, and very good, the most common are oval, nadekaku, mokko, kawari mokko and chrysanthemum shape.

Seppa-dai:

Sometimes had a large seppa-dai, in a lobed chrysanthemum form raised above the rest of the plate, also by the use of the 'suke no koshi' technique.

Hitsu-ana:

description

Thickness:

There is no average thickness for the thickness was adjusted to conform with the size and other properties of each individual tsuba. This point is important, for a tsuba should show perfect harmony between the thickness and all other parts.

Edge:

Nearly all forms of edge style were used. Myoju was a master of formation of the edge of his tsuba.

Design Characteristics:

The Ko-Umetada workers almost always used iron plate, usually with small perforations being the only design. The most common designs are gunbai (war fan), plum tree, chrysanthemum, court hats, waves, and others. The edge is usually sukinokoshi mimi. During the time of Myoju, nobility is the key word to describe the designs. They are aesthetically satisfying in every detail. The designs are wide and varying.

Metal Surface:

The iron is medium hard, but may be slightly softer to allow for certain types of decoration.

Comments:

Nothing is known of the Umetada as a group or as individuals before the time of Myoju. This artist showed the full flower of the genius of the Momoyama age.