Oni Kenbai - Black Demon Japanese Mask
Oni Kenbai is a Japanese folk art that has been meticulously preserved across generations in the central and southern regions of Iwate Prefecture. Known as the "Oni Sword Dance," this tradition involves dancers adorned with masks reminiscent of oni—mythical demons—though distinctively painted in white, red, blue, and black.
Participants perform an intense dance, animated by the resonant beats of drums, sharp pitches of whistles, and rhythmic clanging of bells. This fierce display is believed to pacify any lingering spirits and bring about communal prayers for prosperity and good luck.
Uniquely, although the masks carry a demonic visage, they represent the personification of the Buddha and are intentionally crafted without horns to reflect their benevolent essence.
Black masks represent Winter and the guardian deity of the North.
This piece is handcrafted from paper mache and measures approximately 7.5x6 inches.
Sourced in Kyoto, Japan.
Oni Kenbai is a Japanese folk art that has been meticulously preserved across generations in the central and southern regions of Iwate Prefecture. Known as the "Oni Sword Dance," this tradition involves dancers adorned with masks reminiscent of oni—mythical demons—though distinctively painted in white, red, blue, and black.
Participants perform an intense dance, animated by the resonant beats of drums, sharp pitches of whistles, and rhythmic clanging of bells. This fierce display is believed to pacify any lingering spirits and bring about communal prayers for prosperity and good luck.
Uniquely, although the masks carry a demonic visage, they represent the personification of the Buddha and are intentionally crafted without horns to reflect their benevolent essence.
Black masks represent Winter and the guardian deity of the North.
This piece is handcrafted from paper mache and measures approximately 7.5x6 inches.
Sourced in Kyoto, Japan.
Oni Kenbai is a Japanese folk art that has been meticulously preserved across generations in the central and southern regions of Iwate Prefecture. Known as the "Oni Sword Dance," this tradition involves dancers adorned with masks reminiscent of oni—mythical demons—though distinctively painted in white, red, blue, and black.
Participants perform an intense dance, animated by the resonant beats of drums, sharp pitches of whistles, and rhythmic clanging of bells. This fierce display is believed to pacify any lingering spirits and bring about communal prayers for prosperity and good luck.
Uniquely, although the masks carry a demonic visage, they represent the personification of the Buddha and are intentionally crafted without horns to reflect their benevolent essence.
Black masks represent Winter and the guardian deity of the North.
This piece is handcrafted from paper mache and measures approximately 7.5x6 inches.
Sourced in Kyoto, Japan.
