Item T-101 Dragon and Wave Umetada

Very excellent High Level Momoyama Daimyo Tsuba
  
Large katana sized tsuba done in the style of the Momyama period for the upper class. Tsuba of this type are very rare and are only seen occasionally as they often belonged to the Daimyo class. Usually tsuba of this type are done by the Goto , KoKinko or Umetada families during this time.

They were the only ones that could do such extravagant and time consuming types of work in which no expense was spared. Just by studying the rim, one can see not only is the gold all uttori (Foiled) on the rim, but there is a very high quality nanako background under the gold crisscross pattern. In truth, if the nanako wasn’t there, I believe that no one would even miss it, but since the thinking of the times was so different, and when you were doing the type of work for a patron that could decide your families future fate……..I believe you took no chances!!! The dragon is also done in gold uttori , on a well carved background of finely carved shakudo waves. At first glance, this tsuba does not seem that old due to its incredibly great condition. But since it was most likely with a Daimyo or someone of high rank, it was well maintained and kept well all of these years. Tsuba is very heavy, rim work is in excellent condition (this type of rim work is seen by the affluent as a sign of prosperity). In our opinion, the dragon seems different that that of Goto or Ko kinko, so Umetada would be our guess for this piece. Actually most Umetada soft metal pieces only went to the upper echelon, just as their habaki and kinzogan work on the blades. They were some of the premier gold kinkoshi during the Momoyama period and their works are rare when of this quality level.
Custom fitted Box, from a very old collection.

Late 1500’s – Very early 1600’s Momoyama period

Unsigned – in our opinion Umetada or Goto we guarantee Momyama period

Just under 3”

SOLD