Item Description Karura (迦楼羅) Gigaku-Style Mask, Wood and Dry-Lacquer Construction, 1950s This mask depicts Karura (迦楼羅), the mythical bird-deity derived from the Hindu Garuda, who devours serpents and was adopted into Buddhism as one of the Hachibushū — the eight legions of protective deities guarding the Buddhist teachings. It is made in the style of the ancient gigaku masks, the large masked-dance tradition brought to Japan from the continent in the early seventh century and performed at temple ceremonies through the Nara period, before it gave way to bugaku in the ninth century. The mask combines wood with dry-lacquer (kanshitsu) construction, built up over the carved wooden core, and shows Karura’s distinctive bird-like features: a jewel held in a sharply downturned beak, a flame-like crest rising from the crown, and fleshy wattles below, all finished in weathered black, brown, and red-orange pigment with touches of gilt around the eyes. A paper label is affixed inside the mask, inscribed "辺材雛面" (“sapwood, miniature mask”), indicating the wood used and marking this as a decorative-scale piece rather than a full-size performance mask — consistent with its date of manufacture in the 1950s, long after gigaku itself had ceased to be performed. A dramatic and evocative piece, drawing on one of the oldest surviving mask traditions in Japanese Buddhist performing arts. Please note: there is a fine, hairline crack visible around the beak on the exterior of the mask. The interior shows no corresponding crack. We ask that this be understood as natural patina consistent with an old, well-used piece rather than structural damage — please refer to the photos for a clear view of this area. Size Height: 20 cm Width: 13 cm Depth: 11 cm Weight 330 g / 0.33 kg Condition A 1950s piece with an old, well-used character. There is a fine hairline crack around the exterior of the beak (please see photos), though no crack is visible on the interior; we consider this part of the natural patina of an aged piece rather than a structural fault. Pigment loss and wear are visible in places, consistent with its age. Artist Profile No artist’s name is recorded on this mask; the maker is unknown. Gigaku is believed to have originated in continental Asia and was brought to Japan in 612 CE, where it was performed at temple ceremonies through the Nara period as one of the earliest masked-dance traditions in Japanese Buddhist culture; it had died out as a living performance tradition by the ninth century, superseded by bugaku. Karura, the bird-deity depicted here, derives from the Hindu Garuda, a serpent-devouring divine bird absorbed into Buddhism as a guardian of the Dharma, traditionally shown holding a jewel in its beak with a crest atop the head — features this mask faithfully preserves. Surviving Nara-period gigaku masks, typically larger and carved in paulownia or other light woods, are preserved today at temples and collections such as Hōryū-ji, Tōdai-ji, and the Shōsōin Repository; this mask, made in the mid-twentieth century using a combination of wood and dry lacquer, continues that ancient iconography on a smaller, decorative scale. Notice The photos may show flowers, plants, pedestals, etc. as examples of decorations and interior design for illustrative purposes, but please note that these are not included in the product. The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL, FedEx or Japan Post depending on the situation. Please note that we may use recycled cardboard boxes for outer packaging. It takes about 2–3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee of €3 may also apply. For EU orders over €150, import VAT and a handling fee will be charged by the carrier (e.g. DHL) upon delivery. Please pay only via the carrier’s official website or app. Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you can answer the phone. If you don’t, the parcel will be returned to us and it costs more than double the shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate your kind cooperation.