Tametaka

Tametaka was a renowned netsuke carver from Nagoya, Owari province, central Japan. He is considered the founder of the art of netsuke carving in Nagoya.

Biography

He was mentioned in the Sōken Kishō, a compilation published in Osaka in 1781 by Inaba Tsūyrū, in which over 50 netsuke masters are listed. His exact biographical dates are not for certain, it is speculated he might have lived about 1730 to 1790, but could also have lived until 1830. Around 500-600 netsuke are known to exist by his hand.
His works are known for their intricate details and dynamism.
He also signed his works with "Kinjōnan Tametaka", Kinjōnan translated meaning "south of Nagoya Castle".
Another renowned carver who continued the Nagoya school tradition was Ikkan.