This vintage folk craft from the Izu Peninsula 伊豆 is a local yōkai (妖怪) figurine, designed as a 魔除け (mayoke) — a traditional Japanese talisman used to ward off evil spirits and misfortune.
Crafted in a rustic and whimsical style, the figure features a dragon- or demon-like face with a red-lipped grin, bulging eyes, and long natural fiber hair cascading from its head.
In Japanese culture, mayoke are spiritual items or symbols used to repel harmful forces, and have long been associated with local festivals, rituals, and regional superstitions. They can take many forms — from paper charms at shrines to small statues like this — and are often placed in homes, entrances, or personal spaces for spiritual protection.
With its handmade texture and humorous expression, this figure combines the playful and the mystical — a perfect example of how Japanese folk crafts embody both function and artistic spirit. A rare and characterful omiyage that carries the protective wishes and folklore of Izu.
