A wonderfully characterful vintage Akabeko (赤べこ) from the Aizu region of Fukushima, presented in a particularly auspicious form known as Tawara-beko (俵べこ) — an Akabeko carrying bundles of rice bales (米俵) upon its back.
Akabeko, literally “red cow” in the Tōhoku dialect, is one of Aizu’s best-known traditional folk toys. Traditionally made in papier-mâché, it has long been cherished as an engimono (縁起物) associated with protection from illness, good health and warding away misfortune.
This elaborate example carries beautifully wrapped golden rice bales, secured with decorative cords above a richly patterned brocade saddlecloth. The rice bale, or tawara (俵), has long represented the blessings of the harvest, abundance and prosperity. Accordingly, Tawara-beko are particularly associated with wishes for gokoku hōjō (五穀豊穣) — abundant harvests — as well as shōbai hanjō (商売繁盛), prosperity in business.
A small bell, straw-like ornamentation, braided cords and long white tassels add an almost ceremonial appearance. Traditionally, the sound of the bell is also regarded as having an apotropaic quality, driving away harmful influences while inviting good fortune.
The combination of the protective Akabeko and the prosperity-bearing rice bales makes this an especially symbolic Japanese folk object — carrying wishes for health, plentiful blessings, good fortune and flourishing business.
Size: 21 x 9 x 16cm
