Vintage Japanese Okame Mask – Otafuku “Goddess of Laughter” – Folk & Kyōgen Theater Wood Handmade

Vintage Japanese Okame Mask – Otafuku “Goddess of Laughter” – Folk & Kyōgen Theater

Description

This hand-carved wooden mask represents Okame, also known as Otafuku (“much good fortune”) — the joyful female spirit of laughter, happiness, and good harvests. Her round face, plump cheeks, and warm smile have symbolized fertility and prosperity for centuries.

Okame features prominently in folk dance and Kyōgen comic theater, where her laughter is said to invite good luck and harmony into daily life. She also appears in Shinto festivals and homes as a cheerful household charm.

Carved from natural wood and finished with soft polish and aged patina, this mask captures the enduring charm of Japanese folk artistry.

Dimensions: 8" x 5"
Material: Carved wood with natural finish
Period: Early–mid 20th century
Condition: Good vintage condition with light wear and age patina.

This mask is part of a complementary trio with Daikoku, the god of prosperity, and Okina, the elder spirit of longevity. Together they embody joy, wealth, and long life—three blessings central to Japanese folk belief and performance.

Okame, Otafuku, Japanese mask, Kyōgen, folk art, fertility charm, Japanese festival, laughter, happiness, wagoto