Just looking at it makes you smile: "Otafuku-san"
On the roofs of Kyoto, not only are there demon tiles and Shōki-san glaring at each other, but the smiling Otafuku-san is also cherished as a talisman against evil!
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basic information
The term "Otafuku-san" refers to a woman's face or mask with round cheeks and a low nose, and it is considered auspicious because the characters for "Otafuku" imply abundance of happiness. Originally, it was believed that a plump and cheerful-looking woman could ward off disasters, representing the ideal of beauty of that time. Unfortunately, the definition of beauty has changed over the years, and now it is often referred to as a symbol of unattractiveness. In Kyoto, around temples that have demon tiles for warding off evil, Shoki-san (a deity) was placed on rooftops to prevent evil spirits and misfortune from entering homes. Due to the abundance of temples, the number of demon tiles and Shoki-san figures increased, leading to many instances of them glaring at each other. To avoid these confrontations, Shoki-san figures that do not face each other were placed, and "Otafuku-san," as a symbol of a smiling response, was often positioned opposite Shoki-san. In Kyoto, Otafuku-san, which brings a smile just by looking at it, was commonly displayed as a talisman against evil.
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It is the old town culture of Kyoto. It is placed on roofs and entrances as a talisman against evil.
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When you see the appearance of temples and townhouses in the capital, many people may be drawn to the beauty of the tiled roofs. Tiles, which were introduced to Japan during the Asuka period, were used for a long time as precious materials only in limited places such as temples and castles. During such times, the unique shine of "Kyoto tiles" was achieved by using clay sourced from the area around Higashiyama and polishing it before firing. Primarily used for the main roofs of temples, the simplified "sanjikawara" (batten tiles) roofing was devised during the Edo period, leading to its spread to private homes. This replaced thatched and wooden roofs with tiled roofs, and Kyoto gained a reputation as a national production area for tiles. Among production areas across the country, "Kyoto tiles," known for their heavy and elegant impression, have been regarded as high-quality products in terms of quality, color, and luster since ancient times. Asada Tile Factory continues to insist on handmade production that requires skilled techniques, and it has now become the only factory manufacturing "Kyoto tiles." We will continue to cherish traditional techniques and the culture of Kyoto, delivering products that live up to the name "Kyoto tiles." Asada Tile Factory Shopping Site [Kyototile.com]
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