Description: Here is an stunning work of folk-art by a amateur Japanese artisanThis item appears to be post-1950s most likely from the 1970s...Carving techniques are a bit crude in some places, yet the piece still have a rich spirit to it and appealing aesthetics neverthelessHorns are made out of carved wood.I love the over pronounced bottom, biting, lip and the carving lines down the eyebrows.This piece has previously been worn as attested by:There is some light patina on the upper edge of the backside of the mask and less so around the check-bone area.There are string holes in the right ergonomic locations to have previously been worn with a piece of string.The reverse of the nose has been ergonomically recessed for the wearer's comfortSetsubun is a Japanese festival celebrated on February 3rd which is the day before the first day of spring.This festival generally precedes the Lunar New Year. Thus, it was also referred to as New Year’s Eve in the ancient ideal. The Japanese celebrate this festival by throwing roasted soybeans outdoors to chase the naughty ogres or bad spirits (known as Oni) out of the home and bring happiness and good luck for the following year. There are both public, festival celebrations in the streets as well as private celebrations at the home.This mask may very well have been carved by the dad that later was also the one to march around wearing it.For some families, the father is dressed up like an Oni and the family members throw roasted soybeans at him outside the house.While throwing beans, they shout, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means Get out, Oni! Come in, Happiness! Everyone then eats the roasted soybeans as a treat – one for each year of their life plus one extra for the coming year.Onis historically are thought of of beastly creatures in Buddhist underworld, where the red aka-oni and the blue ao-oni torment sinners. Most folks wear plastic Oni masks for Setsubun these days.Its exceptionally rare to find a used/danced Japanese piece; This one being "sold off" due to the Japanese culture of perfection Please note the slight losses around the eye pupils and the slight carve-through-areas around the upper nostrils.Modern copper string added for hanging (and preservation) sake by yours truly; some prior rubber bumpers at the bottom, reverse, side to help the mask from sliding around against its display wall.Made of a soft, light, wood.A bit larger than most at: 12” length x 8” wide (30 x 20 cm).Other masks of my collection might be up: Check out my other items!
Price: 585 USD
Location: Freeport, Maine
End Time: 2024-12-29T06:25:10.000Z
Shipping Cost: 14.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Masks
Region of Origin: Japan
Age: Post-1940
Primary Material: Wood
Maker: Unknown
Original/Reproduction: Original
Color: Red
