Traditional Japanese Hyottoko & Okame Mask Set

-----Description-----

The story is that Hyottoko (火男) is a boy who wants to work, but who fails at all the jobs he is given until finally he is given responsibility for keeping the communal fire going by blowing the flames, whilst everyone else is out at work. His name means Fire Boy, and according to the legend, his face became distorted and blackened through the blowing of the fire .

Noh Story line is that Fox and Hyottoko are both in love with Okame the most beautiful girl in the village. Fox steals her, but Hyottoko wins her back through his dancing.

In Iwate Prefecture, there is a myth about the origin of Hyottoko. In that story, there was a boy with a bizarre face who could create gold out of his belly button. When someone dies in a house, the Japanese would put the mask of this boy at the top of the fireplace to bring good fortune to the house. The name of the boy was hyoutokusu (ヒョウトクス). This is considered as one of the possible name of the origin of Hyottoko.

Okame (阿亀), Otafuku (阿多福) is a popular figure in folk tales and paired with a male caricature called Hyottoko and podgy cheeks. With her ribald and good-hearted nature, she spreads a smile whenever she appears.

Okame together with her husband Hyottoko is an promising item for happy couples. Both are worshipped together in November’s Tori-no-ichi (Cock Market) festival where their masks are worn and people have wide bamboo rake to ‘rake in fortune’.

-----Material-----

Wood

-----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-----

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.

-----Returns-----

Returns are only accepted on items that have been damaged by Yamato Courier.