Japanese Korobase Mask

-----Description-----

Korobase ( 崑崙八仙) depicts cranes in Bugaku, an official court dance of Japan, dating as far back as 500 C.E. In the Heian period, nearly all ceremonies and festivals included a Bugaku dance. These dances were important in appeasing the gods, purifying the village, and summoning the gods for rain or a good harvest.

The Korobase dance, also called Tsurumai (Crane Dance), is a slow, quiet dance involving four dancers in matching masks. The dancers depict cranes, and the calls of the cranes are characterized by the bells hanging from their beak tips. The dance allegedly comes from two Chinese folklore myths. In one, eight Chinese recluses living on Mt. Konron descend into the city, and in the other, cranes dance on the shore to the music of a Chinese zither.

The dancers create a square and do a slow, coordinated series of movements in the traditional dance. The dance comes to a climax when the Korobase (cranes) join hands and move in a circle and, with their dark blue robes' sleeves, act out the takeoff and flight of the cranes.

-----Material-----

Traditional Japanese Plaster

-----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 mask in the photo.

-----Shipping-----

Shipped via Japan post or 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 these additional costs before 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.