19c Japanese sword kashira TEKKAI SENNIN blowing out his spirit

Description

Early 19th century Japanese bronze kashira (pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with multimetal inlays depicting Tekkai Sennin blowing out his spirit, design continuing on the side of the piece. Tekkai Sennin had the power to separate his spirit from his body and send it to heaven. During one of his long absences his body was buried, so upon his return he had to enter the body of a dead beggar, and that is the way he is usually shown. Superbly made piece with crisp detailing - see his intense face, toe nails, double gourd at his waist and finely worked cloud patterns of his robe, various inlays and gilding, in excellent condition. Length 1 3/8 inches.