My father said to me such a thing in old days, "Enma(the king of hell ) could pull your tongue with pliers if you told a lie". When scolding a child who has told a lie, there is a folk tradition in Japan to say, 'I will ask Enma to yank out your tongue.'
There was such a reason and would be scared when I watched this work when I was child. Oni is supposed to play a role of Gokusotsu ogre working for Enma ogre in hell. So, I think the ONI is repairing Enma's pliers.
Perfect condition, Asakusa school, The maker is unknown.
size 20.5cm long
