Akita Namahage Decorative Masks

One of the most spectacular New Year traditions in Japan is that of the namahage in the Oga Peninsula area of Akita Prefecture. The namahage are ogres with frightening faces (usually white, red, and blue) and straw capes that visit people's homes on New Year's day, admonish children that have been naughty or lazy, and get treated to mochi sweets. Making wooden namahage masks is a renowned local craft and the Akita Namahage Decorative Masks is a perfect example of that tradition that you can hang on your wall!

Made by Senshu Ishikawa, the last surviving namahage mask artisan, the Akita Namahage Decorative Masks features a 30 x 46 cm (11.8 x 18.1") plate on which two namahage masks are placed side to side. Each mask is 20 x 12 cm (7.9 x 4.7"), a little smaller than the ones actually worn by those playing the ogres in the ritual, but all the details are there since they come from the workshop of the same artisan who makes the real masks. This beautiful set is a celebration of one of Japan's most vibrant rural customs!

Specs and Features:

• 2 masks
• For decoration, not for wearing
• Hand-carved by traditional Akita craftsman Senshu Ishikawa
• Dimensions (mask): 20 x 12 cm (7.9 x 4.7")
• Dimensions (plate): 30 x 46 cm (11.8 x 18.1")
• Handmade. May vary slightly from images
• Made to order: please allow approx. 1-2 months for shipping