Japanese old wood carving demon mask No.A /Before 19th cent/Wall-hanging

This is a wooden “oni” mask made from the Edo period to the Meiji period in Japan.
“Oni” refers to a demon in the West.
I think that everyone overseas has heard of “Demon Slayer” and so on.

In Japan, there was already a description of demons in books about 1500 years ago.
“Oni” was recognized by people as a scary existence whose identity was unknown.
The Japanese have expressed various legends related to “Oni” in Noh and Kyogen.
Noh and Kyogen are like Japanese musicals in a very easy-to-understand way.
It is a traditional performing art that continues to this day.
In addition, in each region of Japan, rituals and festivals were held in villages where people wore masks.
Oni are familiar beings to Japanese people.

Although this is a demon mask, it cannot actually be worn.
In Japan, there are masks called kazari masks, which are not actually worn on the wall but are only used to hang on walls or decorate.

Although demons have the image of being evil spirits, in Japan they are also known as talismans.
The most symbolic one is something called Onigawara, which has two demon faces attached to both ends of the tile roof of a Japanese house.These are meant to ward off evil spirits, and are meant to protect against bad things from entering the house. It has the meaning of

This item was probably also displayed under the eaves of houses as a talisman.
The weathered surface is probably due to deterioration caused by years of humidity, wind, and sunlight.
It is believed to date from approximately the 18th to 19th century.
Originally it was red in color, with some parts decorated with gold.
The top and bottom of the mask have been shaved off, but I don’t know why.

It is a very attractive item with the expression of a powerful demon engraved on it.
Also, its appearance due to aging will harmonize with the Wabi-Sabi space.

This is a recommended item.

Weight: 1.2kg