Tsugutada was a smith of the group of Province, active from the late period into the early period. His working dates are traditionally placed around the Joei era. He is variously said to have been the son of Tsugie or the son of Yasutsugu, the founder of the lineage, who is traditionally placed around the Jodan era. The school flourished in the downstream area of the Takahashi River, forging swords at such locations as Ko-i and Manju, and continued into the later period. Within this lineage, works from the end of the period through about the mid- period are specially designated as "." Among the smiths of this early group, Tsugutada is a figure for whom signed, extant examples are extremely few — limited to only two or three — making each surviving work a source of exceptionally high documentary value for the study of this smith.
The workmanship of , as the consistently observes, resembles works of the era but is distinguished by a that shows conspicuous mixed with , tending toward and producing what is termed (a crisp, crepe-like grain texture), frequently accompanied by - (speckled surface patterning). Tsugutada's is fundamentally based on while incorporating , , and , rendered in , with and appearing throughout. The characteristically tends toward — a subdued, sinking quality. Compared with contemporary works, the overall impression is somewhat quieter and possesses a restrained, astringent taste. His signature is consistently described as a boldly cut, thick-chiseled two-character placed on the side of the tang.
The recognizes Tsugutada as a craftsman of considerable technical ability who, though comparatively lesser-known within , produced works of commanding and dignified that clearly display the characteristic features of the group. A recurring evaluative thread across his designated works is that within the subdued flavor of the and there resides an antique fragrance (koko) conveying a deep, astringent, and quietly resonant taste. Several of his surviving bear (battle cuts) and arrow wounds () that speak of martial exploits in ages past, and those preserved in condition are especially valued for presenting the dignified form of his era.