This charming vintage folk mask is a traditional Izu Hariko (伊豆張子) papier-mâché craft from the Izu region of Japan. Handcrafted using tezuki washi (handmade Japanese paper), the mask depicts a rabbit (usagi), an animal long associated in Japan with good fortune, fertility, and gentle protection.
The mask is formed by layering washi paper over a mold, then carefully hand-painted with bold yet warm expressions. The simple, rounded features, expressive eyes, and vivid accents in black, white, and red reflect the rustic beauty and heartfelt humor characteristic of regional folk art. The surface shows natural texture, fine creases, and subtle aging that speak to its handmade origins and vintage character.
Included is the original presentation box bearing the red seal of Izu Menshibō (伊豆面紙房), a workshop known for preserving local folk craft traditions.
Traditionally, such masks were displayed in homes as auspicious decorations, believed to ward off misfortune and invite happiness. Today, it makes a delightful decorative object, a collector’s piece of Japanese mingei (folk art), or a thoughtful gift for lovers of traditional crafts.
Size: 13 x 14 x 5cm
