I visited the Japanese Sword Museum and saw the Umetada Exhibition that lasted until February 21st, Sunday.
To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it was necessary for me to make a reservation in advance at a convenience store for admission on Saturday(20th). Many sword enthusiasts have asked me, “Have you ever been to the Umetada Exhibition?” So I held high expectations of the event. I was moved by the many Umetada swords that were exhibited in one place. I was able to study the various dragon engravings in the blades, which was a great experience. I was also fascinated by the exhibition of the masterpieces; including 6 national treasures and 10 important cultural properties. Although the number of visitors was small in the morning when the museum opened, around noon many more people visited, especially a larger number of women. I could feel the popularity of the swords even in this modern time.
Currently, Touken Matsumoto has in stock two Tsuba related to the Umetada Tradition. This is highly recommended work and is reminiscent of the Tsuba at the Umetada exhibition! Both of these have passed the Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
● TSU-1923 Chrysanthemum, Made by Umetada Tachibana Tadayoshi, Mid Edo Period, Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu
● TSU-1698 Chrysanthemum and Vines, Mumei, but attributed to the Umetada Tradition, Early Edo Period, Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu