It may have been used by silversmiths since the Muromachi period. But in the Momoyama period, a certain Umetada Myoju (1558–1631) emerged to become the founder of the manufacture of so-called "new swords," or shinto, and to rank with Kaneie and Nobuie as a great designer and maker of sword guards. Although he is said to have done metal carving for sword mounts, not a single sword guard that can safely be said to have been carved by him remains.
It may have been employed by silversmiths since the Muromachi period. However, in the Momoyama period, a specific Umetada Myoju (1558–1631) rose to prominence as the founder of the production of so-called "new swords," or shinto, and was recognized alongside Kaneie and Nobuie as a great designer and craftsman of sword guards. Although he is claimed to have done metal carving for sword mounts, no sword guard that can be confidently attributed to him has survived.