Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2019-0004-0022   CAS 2019-0004-0022; Figurine (cow)
Category Folk Toys
Object Name Figurine (cow)
Culture Japanese
Global Region East Asia
Country Japan
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data
Maker's Name
Date of Manufacture
Collection Name N/A
Materials Papier mâché [paper mache]; Paint; Metal; Commercial thread and cordage
Description Papier mâché figurine of a standing red cow with movable, bobbing head; Body of cow is painted red with gold, black, and white accents, and is ornamented with gold cord and various colored ribbons; Cow carries a black drum on its back and brass bell on either side; According to tradition, some 350 years ago the people of Aizu-Yanazu constructed the Kyokyuzo-do temple, using cows and oxen to haul the construction materials; When completed, one of the animals refused to leave and seemingly kept faithful watch by the temple gate, attracting pilgrims who wanted to see its unusual behavior; The monks began selling small effigies as an amulet, and its efficacy was assured during a smallpox epidemic, when reportedly, anyone who had one of these amulets was not touched by the illness; Single kanji painted on drum reads ? (fuku: “good fortune”). *Non-Roman alphabet characters are not legible in the online listing. Japanese characters, such as those included here, appear as a series of question marks. Other scripts, such as Greek letters, may appear as Roman letters but be inaccurately transcribed.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 7.0, Width = 5.5, Length = 9.5