It is an impressive Bitchu kagura Tengu mask made of wood. It's a slightly larger size and makes a big impact. On the back, it reads Saruta hikomikoto 猿田彦命 Heisei gannen sichi gatu kichijitsu saku 平成元年七月吉日作 (July 1989) The back of the mask bears the inscription “猿田彦命 (Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto).” Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto is a deity from Japanese mythology known as the god of guidance and pathways. According to ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he guided the heavenly grandchild Ninigi-no-Mikoto when the gods descended from heaven to earth. Because of his legendary appearance, especially his long nose and powerful presence, Sarutahiko is often associated with the figure of the Tengu in Japanese folklore. For this reason, Tengu masks are sometimes connected with or dedicated to Sarutahiko, who is also revered as a protector of travelers and a deity who opens the way to good fortune. Sarutahiko Ōkami (Sarutahiko no Mikoto) is a deity who appears in Japanese mythology. He is known as the guide deity. He also appears in the ancient Japanese mythological texts, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. His role in the mythology: Sarutahiko Ōkami plays an important role in the Tenson Korin (the descent of the heavenly grandson), in which the heavenly gods descend to earth. He is said to have guided Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu Omikami, as he descended from heaven to Japan. For this reason, Sarutahiko Ōkami is worshipped as the god of opening paths, the god of guidance, and the patron deity of travelers. The Kagura mask (Kaguramen) is a mask used in Kagura, a traditional Japanese performing art. Kagura is a dance performed as part of Shinto rituals and festivals, expressing gratitude and prayers to the gods. Kagura masks are used by performers to portray specific gods, spirits, demons, animals, and other roles, characterized by their unique style and expressive power. The Bitchu Kagura masks are based on the masks of the gods that appear in Bitchu Kagura, a Shinto dance handed down in the Bitchu region in western Okayama Prefecture. Bitchu Kagura is made up of religious dances and theatrical dances that incorporate myths and plays, and is still popular today as a way to pray for a good harvest. It has also been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Representative masks include Tengu (long-nosed goblins), Oni (demons), Okina (old men), Hime (princesses), and Shishi (lions). These masks hold sacred significance and serve to bridge the world of gods and humans. By wearing a Kagura mask, performers become one with the gods or spirits, bringing their presence into the physical world. Kagura masks are an important element of traditional Japanese culture and religious rituals, captivating many with their beauty and mystique. Tengu is one of the most well-known yokai in Japan. Tengu's face is bright red, with a high nose, a bit like an ape, very tall, with a pair of wings, wearing a monk's clothing, high-toothed clogs, holding a round fan and a hammer, such an image. According to legend, they live in the deep mountains, have supernatural powers and superpowers, and have the power to make humans feel horrible. A supernatural creature said to inhabit the heavens or deep mountains. Born from the spiritual power of mountain gods, it combines the beliefs of wandering spirits such as grudges and guardian spirits, and is also a manifestation of illusions under the guise of ascetic practitioners. It appears in the form of a mountain ascetic, with a red face, a high nose, wings, long claws on its hands and feet, and holds a vajra staff, a sword, and a fan. It is said to possess divine powers and the ability to fly freely. There is also a strict hierarchy among the Tengu. The big Tengu and the Tengu have a higher status. In addition, there are the crow Tengu, who are the subordinates of the Tengu and the big Tengu. Printed Yamabushi Tengu and more. Tengu symbolizes strength, and wearing a Tengu mask means that one needs to have a powerful combat power to match it. Similarly, the Tengu mask is also a symbol of status, giving people a powerful deterrent, making him understand that this person is not easy to mess with. Also, as a messenger of the enshrined deity, it is said to possess great power and will immediately fly up to remove any misfortune that may befall the worshipper, and it is said to have the power to ward off disasters and bring good fortune. Height 26.2 cm Width 19.4 cm Depth 24.5 cm Weight 900 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There is hair loss and beard loss throughout the doll. The beard under the nose is missing. There is peeling on the right side of the nose. This is a white area. There are also scratches, dirt, scuffs, discoloration, stains, dents, etc. There are many photos posted, so please check them out before purchasing. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 121122390310