Description
Japanese mask depicting the face of the Shinto (native religion of Japan) god Ebisu.
Ebisu is Japan's god of fisherman, the morning sun and one of the seven
popular luck gods within the Shinto pantheon. Ebisu is also
sometimes regarded as the protector of small children, a role he shares with the
Buddhist deity Jizo. Legend holds the Ebisu was once a real
man (a fisherman in fact) who rescued a boneless (it's a long story) god named
Hiruko from the sea. Ebisu (who's full name at that time was
Ebisu Saburo) went on to live a life full of troubles after which point
he become a Shinto deity. Ebisu has always been popular in
Japan and images of this happy, ever smiling god are found everywhere in art,
masks and statuary. Ebisu is normally seen holding a long fishing
rod in his right hand and a large sea bream (tai) fish under his left
arm. Ebisu is often depicted with another famous Shinto luck
god Daikoku who is reputed to be Ebisu's father. Ebisu
and
Daikoku are both members of the
Shichifukujin group of seven luck gods. These famous gods (six male and one female) are
frequently seen together in Japanese art, often in a boat sailing the seas of
fortune. Ebisu is unique among the seven as the only god who is
native to Japan, the other gods all tracing their origins to religious
traditions within other cultures.
About the Listed Item
Authentic antique papier-mache Japanese Ebisu display mask (kazarimen)
made during the closing years of World War Two. This mask is in poor
condition with a warped appearance as well as many chips, scratches and marks
from handling. Japanese writing on the back of the mask reads Showa 18
which indicates the 18th year (1944) of the reign of the Showa emperor.
The mask is also a bit dirty and wears a heavy dark patina of age. This beautiful artifact of Japanese culture
was acquired in historic Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Size:
Height: 4.5 inches (11.5 centimeters)
Width (across widest point): 4.9 inches (12.5 centimeters)
Weight: 0.5 ounces (15 grams)
Click
here
to see more masks!
Click
here
to see other Ebisu items!
Click
here
to see additional treasures from Japan!
More about the Shinto religion
Shinto
is one of the two major religions of Japan (the other is Buddhism). Shinto
is often considered to be the native religion
of Japan, and is as old as Japan itself. The name Shinto means "the way
of the gods." Shinto is a pantheistic religion, in which many thousands
of major and minor gods are thought to exist. The Japanese have built
thousands
of shrines throughout the country to honor and worship these gods. Some shrines
are huge and are devoted to important deities. Other shrines are small and may
be easily missed when strolling along roads in the countryside.
Shinto gods are called kami. Kami are thought to have
influence on human affairs, and for this reason many Japanese make regular
pilgrimage to community shrines in order to offer prayers to local kami.
The act of prayer involves approaching the shrine structure, passing through the
gate-like torii, cleansing the hands and mouth
with water and possibly ascending stairs to the main entrance of the shrine.
Usually without entering the shrine the worshipper will throw some coins into a
stone or wooden collection box and then rattle the suzu bell which is at
the top of a long hemp rope. The worshiper grabs hold of the rope and shakes it
back and forth causing the copper bell at the top to rattle. This is thought to
get the attention of the shrine god. The worshipper then bows twice, claps his
or her hands twice and then bows again. In addition, the worshipper may clasp
their hands together in silent prayer. Shintoism and Buddhism have managed to
find a comfortable coexistence in Japan. Evidence of this harmonious relationship is
found in the fact that that most Japanese are married in a Shinto shrine,
but buried by a Buddhist priest.
More photos below!
item code: R2S5-0002249
ship code: L1650
Back to Search Results
) 
The Old Tokaido
Print
Report item
and your 