Shōki the Demon Queller and the Escaping Oni

Material & Technique: Brass plate with high relief (Takabori), fine line engraving (Kebori), and precious metal inlays (Gold and Copper)

Design & Iconography
This exceptional tsuba masterfully incorporates the physical openings of the guard into its narrative design, depicting the famous Japanese folklore legend of Shōki the Demon Queller (Shōki-zan) and a mischievous demon (Oni).

Front Side (Omote):
On the right side, Shōki is depicted in dramatic high relief (Takabori). He is rendered with a fierce expression, long flowing beard, and traditional scholar-official headwear (Kaku-eboshi) accented with gold and copper inlays. He holds his sword at the ready as he searches for his foe. On the lower left, finely engraved in delicate line work (Kebori), a terrified oni cower under the auxiliary opening (Kozuka-hitsu-ana), looking up in fear at the demon hunter.

Reverse Side (Ura):
The humor and ingenuity of the artist unfold on the reverse. The upper left features gently engraved swirling clouds. On the lower right, the lower torso and legs of the fleeing oni emerge directly from the Kozuka-hitsu-ana—creating the clever visual illusion that the demon is physically stepping through the opening of the tsuba to escape Shōki.

Maker’s Mark & Attribution
Signature: Located on the reverse (Ura) within the Seppa-dai area (next to the central opening) is a deeply carved Kaō (stylized artisan’s monogram/seal).

Artistic Context: The witty composition, combined with the mix of soft metals, relief carving, and playful use of negative space, is a hallmark of the Nara School—a group of Edo-period metalworkers renowned for introducing narrative humor and painterly realism to Japanese sword fittings.

If you are interested in this tsuba, currently there is a matching fuchi kashira with the same design and material available.