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  1. Schools
  2. Umetada
  3. Mitsutada

Umetada Mitsutada

光忠

Jūyō
Vol. 8, No. 94 · Tsuba

Umetada Mitsutada

光忠

7 ranked works

Notable artist
EraMomoyama (1588)Period1588SchoolUmetadaTraditionShintoGeneration2nd genTypeTosogu MakerCodeUME021
1Jūyō Bijutsuhin
6Jūyō Tōken

Overview

Mitsutada is a Kyoto metalworker of the period, regarded as belonging to the group ( ichimon). Although his name does not appear in the genealogies of the lineage, examination of the range and character of his extant works indicates that he should be placed within that circle. His period of activity is thought to have been almost contemporaneous with Myoju, and he is conjectured to have been of senior standing among the metalworkers of the group. His precise biography and genealogy remain unclear, and because none of his works bear dates, his exact working period cannot be established with certainty.

Mitsutada's works are consistently executed in brass (shinchu), employing an uneven, raised-and-recessed ground (dekoboko-) that imparts an archaic atmosphere. His rims characteristically receive a turned-back treatment (), often with deliberate variation. Many pieces are further embellished with gold and silver and ground texturing, while subjects range from scattered family crests and decorative paper slips (jigami) to landscapes, flowers, and Daoist and Buddhist figures. Compared with Myoju, his work "may be somewhat less polished in refinement; however, many examples display an even more classically archaic elegance." Certain pieces, such as a Daruma-design , give a "somewhat unusual impression," revealing a distinctive and individual flavor. His brass grounds are notably rich in character, and the slightly raised texture of his projects what the describes as "a richly fragrant sense of refined elegance."

Signed works by Mitsutada are extremely few — only three bearing his two-character signature are known, with merely several more attributed to him. This rarity makes each authenticated example precious reference material. His compositions overflow with -period feeling, and his best works convey a subdued emotional tone unique to this craftsman, distinct from Myoju yet resonant with the tradition of refined beauty.

Historical importance

Where Mitsutada stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.

随一
Foremost
屈指
Leading
有数
Major
著名
Notable

Select a lens to see how it's measured.

Designations

Kokuhō—
Jūyō Bunkazai—
Jūyō Bijutsuhin1
Gyobutsu—
Tokubetsu Jūyō—
Jūyō Tōken6

Elite Standing

Kantei

Provenance

Work Types

Distribution across 7 ranked works

Signatures

Signature types across 7 ranked works

Currently Available

Umetada School

Other artisans of the Umetada school

  1. 1.Myoju明寿45designated
  2. 2.Umetada❀忠7designated
  3. 3.Jusai寿斎1designated
  4. 4.Shigeyoshi重義5 for sale4designated
  5. 5.Shichiza七左1 for sale1designated
  6. 6.Shichizaemon七左衛門1designated

Mitsutada

Mitsutada(光忠) was a maker of Japanese sword fittings (tōsōgu) of the Umetada school, active during the Momoyama (1588) period.

The work follows the Shinto tradition.

Designated works by Mitsutada include 6 Jūyō.