Agyo (Nio Guardian) Mask signed The Kojyo (小尉) mask is

The Kojyo (小尉) mask is just one example of the many different types of masks used by the traditional Japanese actors of Noh theater

Both are worshipped together in November’s Tori-no-ichi (Cock Market) festival where their masks are worn and people have wide bamboo rake to ‘rake in fortune’

Traditional Japanese Omoikane Mask by  Tanabe Seisuke

and since then

the mask embodies dignity and divinity as a god

Agyo (Nio Guardian) Mask signed The Kojyo (小尉) mask isTraditional Japanese Agyo Mask Description Agyo () is one of the Nio (Benevolent Kings), a pair of protectors who stand guard outside the temple gate at most Buddhist temples in Japan, one on either side of the entrance. The Nio are there to protect the temple from evil spirits, demons, and humans wanting to rob from the temple. Material Traditional Japanese plaster & resin Sizing Please see pictures for sizing. (We use a tennis ball for customers to