Description:
AN EXCELLENT SENTOKU KOZUKA WITH BLADE OF A BEARDED MAN IN ROYAL GARMENT
Unsigned, kozuka handle of sentoku and some gold with iron blade
Japan, late Edo period (1615-1868)
The figure executed in a light takazogan?relief could be Kanti?as well as the poet Michizane, as there is a book on the table. More exact clues are not given, both would be depicted with a full beard. Kanti, known as Guandi
in China, was canonized as an immortal in 1128 and as a Chinese war god in 1594. The splendor of his robe – details with gilding – would indicate it is him rather than the poet. An incised inscription on the blade.
LENGTH 20.8 cm
Provenance: German private collection.
condition: Very good condition.