Shinchu tsuba attributed to Umetada Myoju, Momoyama period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Momoyama period, 1558-1631
This Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, is crafted from shinchu, a traditional brass alloy, and dates to the Momoyama period. It features a futatsu mokko form, which is an oval, rounded shape characterized by distinctive indentations at the top and bottom of the plate.
The central area contains the hitsu-ana, or openings for the sword blade and accessory tools. Notably, the kogai hitsu has been plugged with copper, while the kozuka hitsu features a refined shibuichi liner decorated with a rope pattern that sits within the original opening. The tsuba measures 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) in length. This piece is attributed to the noted master Umetada Myoju (1558-1631). The object is presented in a box and represents an example of classical Japanese sword furniture, demonstrating the sophisticated metalwork techniques and modifications commonly associated with historical sword fittings from this era.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Form
- futatsu mokko
- Length
- 7.6 cm (3 in)
- Material
- shinchu (brass), copper, shibuichi
Technical characteristics
- Hitsu ana
- kogai hitsu plugged with copper, kozuka hitsu lined with shibuichi
Design
- Shape
- oval with top and bottom indentations
- Ornamentation
- rope pattern on kozuka hitsu liner
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Umetada Myoju
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.