Umetada school kozuka?

[Kurikata]

I just received this mumei kozuka today. It is in shibuichi with the leaves in kaga zogan in shakudo. All elements make me think that this kozuka has an umetada school influence.Do you agree with me?

[TETSUGENDO]

Yes, Bruno. Both the style and motif exhibit a definate Umetada influence.

 

-S-

[kyushukairu]

Whilst hira-zōgan on a soft metal base is often associated with Umetada, another possibility would be Kaga zōgan. 

The art of hira-zōgan is said to have began at Fushimi, though after it's decline in the early 1600s, Mayeda Toshiiye, the daimyo of Kaga, invited many of these smiths to relocate to his province. Here, a variety of schools were formed, which collectively became known as 'Kaga', continuing the Fushimi style of hira-zogan - inlaying shakudō, shibuichi, silver and copper, flush with the base metal. 

[TETSUGENDO]

Whilst hira-zōgan on a soft metal base is often associated with Umetada, another possibility would be Kaga zōgan. 

 

The art of hira-zōgan is said to have began at Fushimi, though after it's decline in the early 1600s, Mayeda Toshiiye, the daimyo of Kaga, invited many of these smiths to relocate to his province. Here, a variety of schools were formed, which collectively became known as 'Kaga', continuing the Fushimi style of hira-zogan - inlaying shakudō, shibuichi, silver and copper, flush with the base metal. 

Also, the work is generally tighter, sometimes with repetitive geometrically arranged patterns relieved with fine engraving.    Myoju school work is, in contrast, well balanced asymmetry.    IMHO, the  loose workmanship suggests one of the later branch schools, 'in the style of Umetada Myoju', and a 19th century production date.

 

-S-

[Kurikata]

With additional  better picture, I would tend yo confirm Steven views on a late Edo kozuka "in the style of the famous Myoju". The inlays have not the subtlety ant the delicateness of THE Umetada Myoju school.

 

Anyway thank you for your comments

[TETSUGENDO]

Bruno,

 

Still an interesting piece worth owning, an attractive hommage to Umetada Myoju.

 

Cheers,

    -S- 

[Ford Hallam]

As Stephen has already made clear Kaga work is almost the opposite sort to style to that of the Umetada group.

 

The Umetada style, as exemplified by this sort of 'brushwork' design is inspired by the flamboyant and exuberant art that flourished in the mid to Late Momoyama period after generations of civil war. 

[Kurikata]

Thank you Ford for your highlight and confirmation.