埋忠明寿

Umetada Myoju

Description

Umetada Myoju (active ca. 1596–1624) stands as one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Japanese swords — the only major swordsmith who was simultaneously a master metal craftsman (kinko) of the highest order. Born into the Umetada family of Kyoto, which had for generations been the preeminent makers of sword fittings (tsuba, menuki, kozuka), Myoju was the first in his line to turn his hand to forging sword blades — and he achieved the supreme "Saijōsaku" (masterwork) rank. His jihada is a refined ko-itame to itame with excellent iron quality, but his most celebrated works are his suguha (straight temper line) blades — their evenly distributed nie, crisp and bright ha, and orderly ashi/yo placement set a standard matched by few in the entire Shinto period. What truly sets Myoju apart, however, is his integration of blade-carving (horimono) directly into his sword-making: works signed "Hori dōsaku" (carving by the same hand) prove that Myoju personally executed the elaborate dragon, Sanskrit, and floral carvings that adorn many of his blades. This combination of blade-forging and decorative carving at an equally supreme level is unmatched in sword history. His patrons included Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Multiple works are designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, held at the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, and Nagoya City Museum.

Famous Works

• 刀「慶長三年　埋忠明寿彫同作」（重要文化財）
• 刀（国宝・東京国立博物館）