Tsuba Shoki the Demon Queller & Oni (Little Demon)

Maru Gata Sukashi

Yamagane Kinko

Mumei : unsigned

Late Edo period . Early 1800s

Condition: Very good for age.
8 cm x .65 cm 173 grams

A$395

In Japanese myths, Shoki the demon hunter, quells demons rather than killing them.
The vanquished demons become allies and sometimes even active helpers in Shoki's quest for good against evil.
The Oni of Japanese myths are demons that have human shape, they have horns and sharp nails.
Oni as described through history represent just about all of the emotions and traits that we associate with evil and wrongdoing.
Oni were said to linger around wicked people and to claim their souls when they died, transporting them by chariot to Emma-Hoo, the God of Hell