in Rare Akabeko Amulet for Warding Off Lucky Protection Against Auspicious Handmade Folk Regional Manufactured in Fukushima Prefecture 14cm Fireworks

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[Shop Information] - Please "Follow" our store and leave a 5-star review! ―・―・―・―・―・―・―・―・―・―・―・―・― [Akabeko, a traditional folk toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture] Akabeko is a representative folk craft of Fukushima Prefecture. It is a papier-mâché doll made by painting a red base coat on a cow shape and then painting black spots and a white border. In addition, the Akabeko is designed so that its neck can move, and it is an adorable folk craft that wobbles when you lightly touch it. [A lucky charm for warding off evil and disease] In the Tohoku region, especially in the Aizu area, the word for "cow" is "beko." In the past, it was called "amulet cow" or "lucky cow" and has been cherished by people as a lucky charm for warding off evil and disease. [Rarely produced in Fukushima Prefecture] While there were once dozens of manufacturing plants, only a few remain today, and each one is lovingly crafted by artisans. Almost all of the painting is done by hand. The number that can be produced each day is limited, making these handmade folk toys rare. [History of Akabeko] There are several theories about the origin of Akabeko, but it is said to date back about 400 years ago. At that time, Gamo Ujisato, the lord of Aizu, promoted a policy to encourage side jobs in order to protect the samurai who were struggling to make ends meet due to a lack of work. As part of this, he invited craftsmen from Kyoto to teach the samurai how to make papier-mâché, and had them make papier-mâché cow dolls. This is considered to be the prototype of the local toy "Akabeko". [Details] Made in Japan. Size: Approx. W140mm x D61mm x H80mm. Weight: Approx. 57g "Good fortune comes to the bobblehead cow." - Aizu's proud guardian deity of the region. The Akabeko is a traditional folk toy that has been passed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture for centuries. Its red body, adorable expression, and bobblehead are somewhat humorous, yet they hold a deep meaning. Its red color embodies the wish to ward off evil and illness, and it has been considered a symbol of "warding off disease" and "good health." Furthermore, cows have been considered symbols of strength and perseverance since ancient times, and it is a popular gift to wish for "health," "safety in the home," and "the healthy growth of children."