For sale is a wonderfully expressive, hand-carved wooden Otafuku (Okame) mask, created as a decorative wall hanging mask.  Otafuku is a traditional Japanese character known as a symbol of good luck, happiness, and bringing fortune.  The mask features gorgeous chisel marks that create dramatic highlights and shadows.  The vibrant red and dark gray pigments highlight the joyful, laughing expression of Otafuku (Okame).
The back of the mask features an engraved inscription that reads "但馬 大屋の里" (Tajima Oya no Sato).  Oya-cho, located in the Tajima region of Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a famous cultural hub known throughout Japan as the "Village of Wood Carving Folk Art."  This area is renowned for its annual national wood carving exhibitions and is home to talented independent artisans who create unique, soulful folk arts.
The engraving into the right side shows the regional origin "Tajima Oya no Sato".  There is an engraved signature of the artisan on the lower left, which is stylized in old Japanese calligraphy and currently unreadable/unknown.
The mask is approx. 15.5cm (6 1/8") high, 13cm (5 1/8") wide and weighs 310 grams.  It is in beautiful vintage condition with natural wood grain variations and artisan-crafted character.  The face is remarkably well-preserved with no cracks, deep scratches, or major wear.  There may be a small minor nick(s), mark(s), scuff(s), dust, etc.  Please examine all of the photographs carefully to determine the overall condition and the quality of the woodwork, detailing, design, size, etc.
The mask is a true one-of-a-kind piece of authentic Japanese folk art that adds warmth and happiness to any space.  It is perfect for collectors of Japanese masks, woodcraft, and unique cultural decor.
We have more unique handcrafted Japanese masks on eBay so please take a look at them.
We combine and we give shipping estimates.  Please ask before bidding.
If you have a question(s), please ask before bidding.

When purchasing from Japan, keep in mind that shipping can sometimes take longer and cost more than buying from a seller in your own country.  If you have any questions about shipping, contact us before you go to checkout.

We will use the carrier's insurance to pay for no delivery or damage.
The carrier's no delivery report or damage claim report is required in order to receive payment.
The good news is we rarely have no delivery or breakage.

Duties and Taxes Information

UNITED STATES BUYERS:  In accordance with eBay policy, all import duties and custom clearance fees have been included in the shipping price.  There are no import duties or custom clearance fees upon delivery.

EU BUYERS:  All items have a mandatory €3 customs duty that will be charged on all e-commerce packages sent from Japan.  This fee is applied per item.  However, you may still have to pay neccessary customs duties, and other related fees.  Before bidding, please let us know if your country uses Postal Delivery Duties Paid (PDDP), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) or Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU).  We want to ship all packages by JAPAN POST but it uses DDU so it is not accepted in some EU countries.  We will use SpeedPAK to EU countries that demand PDDP or DDP. 

EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ASIA, ETC. BUYERS:  We will ship all packages by JAPAN POST.  Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping price.  These charges are the buyer's responsibility and vary by country, product, material, origin, etc.  Please check with your local customs office before bidding or buying.  For more information on taxes and import charges, see "Paying tax on eBay purchases."