Catalog Number
|
Catalog Number |
CAS 1993-0001-0279 | |
| Category | Folk Toys | |
| Object Name | Figurine (cow) | |
| Culture | Japanese | |
| Global Region | East Asia | |
| Country | Japan | |
| State/Prov./Dist. | Fukushima Prefecture | |
| County | ||
| Other Geographic Data | City: Aizu Wakamatsu; Shrine: Kyokyuzo-Do | |
| Maker's Name | Unknown | |
| Date of Manufacture | 1962 | |
| Collection Name | Kadota Collection (Japanese Folk Toys) | |
| Materials | Papier mâché [paper mache]; Paint | |
| 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; According to legend, 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. | |
| Dimensions (cm) | Height = 7.2, Width = 5.0, Length = 11.1 | |