Makora Taishō Mask Horihito one depicted with their mouth

one depicted with their mouth open to scare off demons or closed to shelter and keep in good spirits

This purification ritual lets the god of that temple know that you are not giving up the pursuit of your wish but are going to take another path to make it come true

Tengu usually appear dressed in the robes of a Buddhist monk with the small black cap favored by a clan of warrior mountain monks called the Yamabushi

Kijin Kei masks were used in rituals on New Year's Eve to repel demons and evil spirits from the local shrine or temple

Hannya masks are one of the most used iconography in traditional Japanese tattoo designs

Makora Taishō Mask Horihito one depicted with their mouthTraditional Japanese Makora Taish Mask Makora Taish () is one of the 12 Heavenly Generals who protect and serve Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha). In traditional Japanese sculpture and art, they are always grouped in a protective circle around Yakushi Nyorai. It is said that they represent the twelve healing vows of the medicine buddha, which include, "By my limitless insight and means, may I enable all beings to obtain the necessities of life."