Usobuki Mask karasu tengu These masks serve two purposes

These masks serve two purposes

Gigaku is a traditional Japanese performing art that originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the 7th century

often representing specific elements of Buddhist or Shinto teachings

Traditional Iron Japanese Otafuku / Okame Mask

the half-man

Usobuki Mask karasu tengu These masks serve two purposesTraditional Japanese Usobuki Mask Description Usobuki () (or Usofuki) is the smallest character in Japanese Kyogen, a traditional performing art. The origins of its name are "uso," meaning lie, and "fuki," meaning to blow, to whistle. The mask represents the meaninglessness of the human condition. Its eyes are wide open and surprised, but it cannot scream or shout; it can only whistle queitly and cowardly. Therefore, Usofuki is also used to represent