K259 Koryuji Bull Festival Mask - Red Ogre & Blue Ogre (Shitenno) - Folk Toy, Discontinued, Lucky Charm, Folklore

■Product Description
・Item Name: Koryu-ji Temple's Ushimatsuri Mask
・Material: Paper
・Size: Approx. 34.5 cm (height) x 32 cm (width) x 11 cm (depth)
・Acquired: 1993 at Koryu-ji Temple
・Description: These are red and blue ogre masks awarded by the temple during Koryu-ji Temple's Ushimatsuri (Ox Festival). Visitors would take them home as talismans for good fortune and warding off illness. The Ushimatsuri is believed to have effectively ceased after 2003, as it has not been held since then.
The Ushimatsuri was one of Kyoto's three major unique festivals, alongside Kurama's Fire Festival and Imamiya Shrine's Yasurai Festival. Every year on the night of October 12th, the god Matara-jin, wearing a white mask, would ride an ox, followed by the Four Heavenly Kings wearing red and blue ogre masks and carrying torches, making a circuit around the temple grounds and surrounding areas. A prayer would be read in front of the Yakushi-do Hall, and upon its completion, participants would leap into the hall. It was a festival praying for national safety, abundant harvests, and the expulsion of evil spirits. Please read the Ushimatsuri Origin Document received from Koryu-ji Temple. This item is from a collection being organized.
・Condition: Generally good. The red ogre's nose was detached and has been repaired. There is a date label from when it was collected on the back (removable). Please understand that there may be some dirt and damage due to age. Please judge from the photos.
・Accessories: No box, copy of the Ushimatsuri Origin Document received from Koryu-ji Temple.

■Notes: Please order with the understanding that this is a used item. No claims, no returns.

■#TamajiFolkToys #Masks I am also selling other folk toys.