Hand guard; Mokko-shaped tsuba with raised edge. Embossed on the front Shoki who has caught a devil (oni) and on the back an oni in a willow tree; details inlaid in gold; engraved signature 'Natsuo' with seal 'koi' (in the spirit of the old; a l'ancienne). Two small round holes to cut through a cord; which is wrapped around the wrist to secure the hand-held sword (udenuki-ana); Natsuo; Japan; 1850 - 1875; Meiji-period (1868-1912); iron (metal); gold (metal); h 8 cm x w 7.4 cm