Mini Masks from Japan

These folkart masks from Japan are not only decorative, but they also come with a story! They are ideal gift items for a museum shop or other speciality gift stores.

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The masks below are 3 x 3.5 in. in size.

Kappa is a playful water spirit, who looks over children. Without water, Kappa loses its supernatural power. It has webbed feet and therefore is an excellent swimmer. Children who are good swimmers are sometimes called kappa.

Hyottoko is a Japanese, fabled-hero, who's face was burned upon rescuing the woman-of-his-dreams from a burning building.

Kitsune is the fox. In Japanese culture, the Kitsune is worshipped as a messenger of the gods of the mountains and rice fields, and sometimes as a god of harvest. Stone statues of foxes are often seen placed in pairs on the grounds of certain shrines throughout Japan.

Tengu is a red-faced, large nosed mountain spirit. According to Japanese folk belief, this spirit has extraordinary power and control over the mountains.

Shichi-fuku-jin are the Seven Gods of Fortune. (Shichi is seven, fuku is happy, and jin is a person, or god). Images of the 7 deities are often seen in Japanese shrines and households. Benten is the only goddess of the 7, and she represents art, literature, music, beauty and the power of women.

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