{"product_id":"japanese-vintage-oni-mask-hand-painted-pottery-w-original-box","title":"Japanese Vintage Oni Mask Hand-Painted Pottery W\/Original Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover a striking piece of traditional Japanese folk art with this rare vintage 1960s Japanese Oni mask, beautifully crafted from pottery and finished with expressive hand-painted details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mask portrays an Oni (鬼), one of the most recognizable supernatural figures in Japanese folklore. Traditionally depicted with a fierce expression, prominent features, and powerful presence, Oni are associated with both fearsome supernatural forces and protective symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular mask features an expressive face with a glossy dark finish, vivid red accents, and hand-painted gold-colored eyes, creating a dramatic appearance. The exaggerated facial features capture the powerful character traditionally associated with Oni imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pottery construction gives the mask a substantial, authentic vintage character, while the hand-painted and lacquer-like surface detailing adds depth and visual contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important features of this piece is the original signed storage box, which accompanies the mask. The box retains its original character and provides additional historical and collector interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mask dates to approximately the 1960s, during Japan's Shōwa Era, and was sourced from a Japan Government Antique Auction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether displayed as part of a Japanese antique collection, traditional interior, theater collection, or Japanese folk-art display, this expressive Oni mask makes an impressive statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighlights\u003cbr\u003eAuthentic Japanese Oni mask\u003cbr\u003eApprox. 1960s \/ Shōwa Era\u003cbr\u003eHandcrafted pottery construction\u003cbr\u003eHand-painted decorative details\u003cbr\u003eGold-colored painted eyes\u003cbr\u003eGlossy dark, red, and gold-toned appearance\u003cbr\u003eOriginal signed storage box included\u003cbr\u003eVintage Japanese folk-art character\u003cbr\u003eSourced from a Japan Government Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eExcellent display piece for collectors\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMask: Excellent vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mask has been well preserved for its age and retains its original expressive appearance, painted details, and surface finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinor age-related marks, very light scratches, and small variations in the finish may be present, consistent with a handmade pottery object from the 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original storage box is in fair vintage condition, showing age-related wear, discoloration, handling marks, and other signs of long-term storage. The box should be considered part of the historical presentation rather than expected to look new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original signed box is included exactly as shown\/described.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully. The photographs show the actual item and form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information\u003cbr\u003eWhat Is an Oni?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni (鬼) are supernatural beings found throughout Japanese folklore and traditional storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are commonly portrayed with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorns\u003cbr\u003eFierce expressions\u003cbr\u003eLarge teeth or fangs\u003cbr\u003eWild hair\u003cbr\u003ePowerful physiques\u003cbr\u003eRed, blue, black, or other strongly contrasting colors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Oni are often translated as “demons” or “ogres,” their role in Japanese culture is more complex than that simple translation suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni can represent frightening or destructive forces, but they can also serve as figures associated with protection, warding off evil, strength, and the triumph of good over misfortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni in Japanese Festivals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most famous Japanese traditions involving Oni imagery is Setsubun, a seasonal festival traditionally associated with driving away evil and welcoming good fortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Setsubun celebrations, people traditionally throw roasted soybeans while saying:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emeaning approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Demons out, good fortune in.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni masks are therefore strongly connected with Japanese cultural traditions involving the symbolic removal of bad luck and the protection of the household.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni in Traditional Performing Arts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOni imagery has also appeared throughout Japanese traditional performing arts, storytelling, theater, dance, and religious traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exaggerated facial expression of this mask is particularly characteristic of Japanese theatrical and folk-art representations, where dramatic facial features help communicate the supernatural character of the figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the mask appealing not only as a decorative object but also as a representation of Japan's long tradition of folklore and performance culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Signed Box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original signed box is an important part of this listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese traditional arts and crafts are frequently stored in purpose-made wooden boxes, sometimes accompanied by artist, workshop, retailer, or provenance information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surviving box gives this mask an additional layer of authenticity and historical context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the box shows visible age and wear, it should be preserved together with the mask rather than discarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese Pottery \u0026amp; Hand-Painted Decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pottery body and hand-applied decorative details give this mask the individuality associated with handmade Japanese craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gold-colored eyes provide a particularly dramatic contrast against the darker facial surface, while the red elements emphasize the fierce expression of the Oni.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall variations in the painted surface should be appreciated as characteristics of a handmade vintage object rather than treated as manufacturing imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications\u003cbr\u003eDetail    Information\u003cbr\u003eOrigin    Japan\u003cbr\u003ePeriod    1960s\u003cbr\u003eEra    Shōwa Era\u003cbr\u003eSubject    Oni (鬼)\u003cbr\u003eType    Japanese decorative mask\u003cbr\u003eMaterial    Pottery\u003cbr\u003eDecoration    Hand-painted\u003cbr\u003eEyes    Gold-colored painted details\u003cbr\u003eColors    Black, red \u0026amp; gold tones\u003cbr\u003eBox    Original signed box included\u003cbr\u003eMask Condition    Excellent vintage condition\u003cbr\u003eBox Condition    Fair vintage condition\u003cbr\u003eSource    Japan Government Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eStyle    Japanese Folk Art\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Please refer to the photographs for size and scale, as exact measurements were not provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59750503776542,"sku":"i18","price":298.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/JapaneseVintage1960sOniMask_PotteryDemon1.jpg?v=1786174538","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/japanese-vintage-oni-mask-hand-painted-pottery-w-original-box","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}