Sentoku-do tsuba of nagamaru gata form, Japan, late Edo period (1603-1868) Decorated in katakiri bori (a chiseling technique imitating Chinese ink painting) and taka zogan silver. The decoration depicts the poet Jittoku sweeping the ground under a pine branch, surrounded by two silver-inlaid butterflies. 6.7 x 6.3 cm The poet Jittoku is a Taoist character from a Chinese legend, always depicted carrying a broom. He is traditionally accompanied by his friend Kanzan, who carries a scroll.