Japanese Onigawara Demon Roof Tile Oni Mask Wall Hanging, Ceramic Kawara

Onigawara are ornamental tiles placed at the ridge ends of roofs on Japanese temples, castles and traditional houses. Their form belongs to a long architectural tradition of protective roof ornament, in which a fierce guardian face looks out from the highest point of the building.

Traditionally, the onigawara is regarded as a talisman, said to ward off evil and misfortune and to watch over the household beneath it. This piece carries that spirit indoors. A horned oni mask with a stern, commanding expression sits at the centre, framed by raised borders of studs and finished at either side with flowing scrolled cloud motifs.

Made in Japan of kawara, the traditional Japanese fired clay roof tile, this ceramic wall hanging is produced in the classic onigawara style. Its muted, stone-like grey tone gives it a quiet presence. A pale blue cord is attached for hanging on a hook or nail. Colour may vary slightly with lighting and screen settings.

• Type: Onigawara-style wall hanging (demon roof tile)
• Material: Ceramic (kawara, traditional Japanese fired clay roof tile)
• Origin: Japan
• Dimensions: 5 cm (length) x 13 cm (width) x 12 cm (height)
• Weight: 0.3 kg (300 g)
• Quantity: 1
• Colour: Grey