Akaoni Folk Mask
The red demon of the Yanagiya tradition
Hand-molded and hand-painted papier-mâché mask made by the artisans of Yanagiya Reproduct, a studio founded in 2020 to preserve and recreate the folk objects once produced by the original Yanagiya workshop, which operated for more than 80 years and created over 50 clay, wood, and papier-mâché folk toys.
This mask depicts Akaoni, the “red demon,” an original creation by first-generation Yanagiya craftsman Tatsunosuke Tanaka. Despite its fierce appearance, the mask carries a slightly endearing expression, giving it the distinctive charm of the Yanagiya folk toy tradition.
Crafted in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, the mask continues the local hariko (papier-mâché) technique, using Inshu washi, mineral pigments, and natural glue. Each piece is molded over a carved wooden form and hand-painted, a process that takes about one week to complete.
– Size: approx. 15 cm (L), 11 cm (W), 4.5 cm (H)
– Box: 20.5 × 16 × 6 cm
– Weight: 20 g
– Materials: Inshu washi paper, mineral pigments, glue
– Technique: fully handmade and hand-painted
– Made in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
– Each mask is individually hand-painted and may show unique variations
– Paint is sensitive to water – do not submerge
→ Prepared in 1-2 days after your purchase
→ Packed with great care to protect from shocks
France, excluding overseas regions
– 2 working days with Colissimo
– Free shipping for orders over €100
European Union
– 4-6 working days with Colissimo
– Free shipping for orders over €200
United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland
– 4-6 working days with Colissimo
– Free shipping for orders over €250
Rest of the world
– 4-6 working days with DHL Express
– Free shipping for orders over €300 (1)
(1) Due to a recent increase in shipping costs, some remote destinations do not benefit from free shipping. We cannot be held responsible for any delay that may occur beyond our control. Product sold duty free outside the EU, however local taxes and duties may apply.