Okame Shishi Menuki

This attractive set of menuki in the form of Okame and Shihi has been in my personal collection for some time.

Okame: This Japanese Mask has two names, Otafuku and Okame.  Otafuku literally means “Much Good Fortune”, and Okame means “Tortoise”, also a lucky symbol for long life.  This mask represents a lovely, always smiling Japanese woman who brings happiness and good fortune to any man she marries.  She is also known as the Goddess of Mirth.

Shishi: Shishi (or Jishi) is translated as “lion” but it can also refer to a deer, or dog.  In Buddhism and Shintoism, Shishi are thought to  have magical properties and are used to ward off evil spirits.  A pair of shishi traditionally stand guard outside the gates of Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

These masks are commonly paired in Japanese folklore.  I believe this pairing represents a balance between the pursuit of fortune and haste.

These menuki are from the Edo Period.  They are an amalgamation of shakudo, gold foil and copper.  They are of fine quality and the craftsmanship shows careful attention to detail.  They were probably mounted on a katana.

Length: 4.2 cm

Price: NFS