Enshū Onihide — Demon face tiles: the face of a demon that looks as if it has been given a soul (Sold)

This piece has found its home. It is kept here as a record of what has passed through our hands.

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This is a masterfully crafted Japanese "Onimen-gawara" , a demon-faced roof tile traditionally used to guard temples, shrines, and homes from evil spirits. Weighing 5.6kg, this powerful piece was created by the acclaimed Enshū Onihide , a celebrated tile master recognized as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" and recipient of the prestigious Medal with Yellow Ribbon .

Every detail, from the fierce horns and curling eyebrows to the intricately carved mustache, exudes such precision and vitality that it feels as though the piece is imbued with a spirit of its own. This combination of imposing presence and delicate craftsmanship exemplifies the pinnacle of Japan’s onigawara tradition, making it both a protective talisman and an exceptional collectible work of art. The piece includes its original wooden storage box (tomobako) signed and sealed by the artist, ensuring authenticity.

Size:

Width: 33 cm
Depth: 14.5 cm
Height: 28 cm
Weight: 5.6 kg

Artist Profile:

Enshū Onihide (, born in Shōwa 9 [1934] in Hamamatsu) is one of Japan’s foremost onigawara craftsmen . He began his apprenticeship under the third-generation Onihide from 1949 to 1955 and honed his skills as a roof tile artisan at Enshū Ceramics Co. between 1955 and 1962. From 1962 to 1968, he trained intensively in onigawara production under his master, ultimately becoming a leading figure in the craft.

Onihide has dedicated his career not only to creating traditional demon-faced tiles but also to passing on the craft, serving as a teacher in local schools and cultural centers. He has served as a director and later vice-chairman of the Japan Onishi Association , advisor to the Enshū Onigawara Research Society, and instructor for workshops on traditional craftsmanship.

His many accolades include:

JIA (Japan Institute of Architects) Shizuoka Chairman Award (1993)

Designated as a Shizuoka Prefecture Traditional Craft Artisan (1995)

Shizuoka Prefectural Industrial Promotion Governor’s Award (2000)

Recognized as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (2001)

Awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2002

Silver Prize at the Hamana Lake Garden Expo (2004)

His works are featured in exhibitions such as the Shizuoka Verkehr Museum (1997) and continue to be sought after by collectors and architectural preservationists.

NOITICE

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Sold — no longer available.