Vintage JAPAN Folk Art USOBUKI Paper Mask Japanese Kyogen Theater Usofuki Whistl

Description

Vintage JAPAN Folk Art USOBUKI Paper Mask Japanese Kyogen Theater Whistler Usofuki
"The usobuki (sometimes transliterated usofuki) ('air blower') is a comical character who appears to be blowing mightily. It is commonly thought to derive from a folk story about a boy named Hyottoko, who could produce gold from his belly button. It is used in different plays to represent a wide variety of roles, including a sinner on his way to the underworld, a scarecrow, insect spirits, and even plant spirits. Its eyes look surprised, but it is unable to scream or roar. It can only whistle, discretely, or sometimes cowardly. Hence, the origins of its own name: 'uso' meaning lie, and 'fuki' meaning to blow, to whistle."
Measures 8.25 inches x 5.5 inches
Pre-owned, vintage, great condition. Smoke-free home. Shipping to US address only. Thanks for shopping on eBay!