【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 These striking hand-carved wooden masks represent Namahage, the iconic deities of Akita Prefecture’s New Year’s Eve ritual, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. The Namahage tradition involves masked figures roaming through villages on New Year’s Eve, calling out phrases such as “Are there any bad children?” or “Are there any lazy people?” They enter homes, frightening children and admonishing laziness, while the head of the household explains the family’s conduct over the past year. Afterward, the Namahage are appeased with food and sake before departing, symbolising purification and renewal for the coming year. The red mask represents Jiji Namahage (the elder male demon), while the blue mask represents Baba Namahage (the elder female demon). Both masks are carved from paulownia wood, a material favoured for its lightness and workability. Soft when freshly cut and hardening as it dries, paulownia is highly suitable for mask carving, producing pieces that are visually powerful yet surprisingly lightweight. The masks were crafted by Ishikawa Taikou, a veteran artisan who has dedicated over 30 years to producing Namahage masks. His entry into this craft began when he created masks for tourist commemorative photography, later establishing himself as one of the leading makers of this unique folk art. Both masks bear the artist’s branding mark on the reverse. The set comes with its original leaflet explaining the cultural significance of Namahage and the artisan’s background. Minor blemishes are present, but overall the masks remain in good used condition. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 34 cm W 19.5 cm D 14 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!