Shoki, the Demon Queller, holds tight the ears of Enma, the king of hell, while a courtesan with tongs appears to be tearing out his tongue (the famous Enma Shitanuki-zu), a very unusual large iron tsuba with gold accents signed Jomeiken Suzuki Kyakko. It is 9.2 x 9.7 x 0.7 cm (just under 4 inches square) and is in fine condition, enclosed in a custom made storage box with silk pillow. Suzuki Kyakko was a highly skilled Japanese metalwork artist and tsubako (sword guard maker) who was primarily active during the Meiji period. He is also sometimes called Suzuki Yoko. He was renowned for his masterful metalworking techniques. He utilized intricate processes like takaniku-bori (high-relief carving) and zogan (metal inlay) on iron and copper bases to bring vivid depictions of humans, deities, and animals to life.
