Description
This tsuba shows Shôki the Demon Queller, who is recognizable by his flowing beard. Next to him, under the plugged hole for the kozuka, is a Chinese-style lion. The legend of Shôki originated in China. Shôki was an aspiring scholar in China who committed suicide when he failed the examinations to become a government official. The emperor, when he realized the degree of Shôki's commitment to service, awarded him the title of doctor. Shôki then appeared to the emperor in a dream where he vowed to protect the empire from demons to show his gratitude.
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