By Banko
Located in PARIS, FR
Banko polychrome enamelled terracotta teapot, representing on each side masks from the Japanese folklore. Handle in wickerwork.
On the spout, Hyottoko, a comical and childlike character. He is recognizable by the shape of his elongated mouth with two red dots (he blows fire with a bamboo pipe), his white scarf with blue dots around his face and his eyes of different sizes. During local festivals like in Miyazaki, he appears in traditional dengaku dances and plays the role of a clown.
On his left, Okame (also called Uzume or Otafuku), deity of Happiness and Good omen, known to bring good fortune. She is shown smiling with two black dots on her forehead.
To the right of Hyottoko, mask of a hero in kabuki theater. The stage make-up work by the actors is called kumadori. It is characterizd by a white complexion, colors and patterns symbolizing aspects of the actor's personality. The red color symbolizes virtue and power, and characterizes a powerful hero.
On the back side, the demon Oni, with its horns and sharp teeth. He symbolizes greed. During the Setsubun festival, people expel bad luck and invite good luck by throwing beans at it.
Cover representing Tengu with a red face, scary eyes and a long nose. It is a half-god, half-demon being from the Shinto tradition, with the ability to fly. He is reputed to divert humans from their Buddhist faith. According to some traditions, he is the protector of the mountains. The Tengu mask...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Tea Caddies