AN EXCELLENT SENTOKU KOZUKA WITH BLADE OF A BEARDE…AN EXCELLENT SENTOKU KOZUKA WITH BLADE OF A BEARDED MAN IN ROYAL GARMENTUnsigned, kozuka handle of sentoku and some gold with iron bladeJapan, 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 cmProvenance: German private collection. condition: Very good condition.