Overview

Jôami (died 1618, Genna 4) was the first in line of the succession of Kyoto bronze mirror makers with the name Kise Jôami, which was founded in the late 16th century. The line lasted for seven generations until the Genroku years (1688-1704), with the fourth and later Jôam is working in the precinct of Fukui Castle. The Kise family was made up of very successful and active bronze mirror makers with commissions from powerful lords. Among these was a commission to produce thirty-two bronze mirrors, which Katagiri Katsumoto presented to Kitano Shrine during the Keichô years (1596-1615). The family is known to have often embossed its inscription on the mirror casting. The inscriptions "Tenkaichi ("First under Heaven")" and "Jôami" on this mirror also use the embossed patterns.