Traditional Japanese Karura Mask
-----Description-----
The Japanese gigaku mask Karura, also known as Garuda, is a mask that represents a divine creature with a human torso and a birdlike head in Japanese mythology.
It is a transliteration of the Hindu race of enormously gigantic birds called Garuda.
The Karura is said to be enormous, fire-breathing, and feeds on dragons/serpents. It is considered the bane of Nāgas, and only a dragon with a Buddhist talisman or one who has converted to Buddhism can escape unharmed from the Karura.
The Karura is often depicted as a winged being with a human torso and an avian head
In Japanese Buddhism, the Karura is one of the creatures that form a guardian unit called the Hachibushū, which translates to "Devas of the Eight Classes".
The gigaku mask Karura is used in the ancient Japanese courtly dance art of gigaku.
It is one of the stock character masks worn by performers during gigaku performances.
-----Material-----
Traditional Japanese plaster & resin
-----Sizing-----
Please see pictures for sizing. (We use a tennis ball for customers to gauge the size of the items.)
-----Condition-----
Please note that all the masks listed are old and have been used by Japanese people. This gives the items various weathering and imperfections. They are not perfect. You can see the quality of the items in the photos.
You will receive the item in the photo.
-----Shipping-----
***PLEASE NOTE: When ordering please include a contact telephone number for the courier shipping documents. We cannot ship without a telephone number.
Shipped via Yamato Courier. Includes tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
-----Multiple Items / Combined Shipping-----
After checkout, if we can fit multiple items into a smaller box we will always refund shipping.
-----Returns-----
Returns are only accepted on items that have been damaged by Yamato Courier