Vintage · Made in Japan · one of one
Aizu folk toy
Akabeko Papier-mache Cow
This Akabeko is a traditional folk toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima. It is a vibrant red papier-mache cow carrying golden rice bales on its back. The Akabeko, or red cow, has a long history in Aizu as a protective charm against illness. Legend attributes its origins to the reconstruction of Enzoji Temple in the ninth century, where red cows were said to have assisted in the heavy labor and remained at the site. The color red has long been associated in Japan with warding off evil and misfortune, making these figures popular symbols for the health and safety of a household. This particular figure carries two rice bales, known as tawara, wrapped in gold fabric and tied with white cord. They signify a bountiful harvest and prosperity. A small bell at the neck provides a gentle sound when the head moves. It is a humble object that brings the quiet history of Aizu into a modern space.
$69 Free shipping to 32 countries
Order by November 20 to make sure it arrives before Christmas.
We ship to mainland China: free, tracked. Import duties, if any, are paid on delivery. Where we ship
A gift for a new baby · luck and protection · a collector
Leaves Fukuoka within three business days by tracked airmail.
Condition report
- Era
- 2000s
- Condition
- Vintage, unused, in its original box
Want a closer look at a mark or an edge? Ask for more photographs.
The story: AkabekoWatch the 65-second film, or read it →What buyers say · ★★★★★ on Etsy
“Received updates regarding the item I purchased and when it arrived could tell that it was packed with care; my fragile ceramic bunny arrived in perfect condition! A wonderful purchase and I would buy from this shop again”
Jessica · United States
1 more from buyers
“Item was as described and in photos shown. Excellent quality. Seller very knowledgable and took the time to explain everything”
Tiang N. · Australia
- Made in Japan. Made in Japan, found in Japan, and sent to you from Fukuoka.
- One of one. This exact piece, photographed in our studio in Fukuoka.
- Returns within 14 days of delivery. Not right? Send it back as it came and we refund the full price, return postage included.
- Packed safely, sent by tracked airmail within three business days. Order $100 or more and it flies EMS express.
Duties, checkout and extras
- ★ 5.0 on Etsy · Star Seller. Read the reviews ↗
- Import tax. It depends on your country; if any is due, it is collected on delivery.
- US import duties. Already included in the price: nothing to pay at your door.
- Secure checkout by Stripe — cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. No account needed.
- Two pieces, one parcel. Each extra piece in the same order is $15 off at checkout.
- Orders of $200 or more travel with a gift to keep: Japanese chopsticks with a rest in a paulownia box, or a Nara kaya-cloth handkerchief.
How It Arrives
Each piece is packed by hand and sent from the Maison Homura studio in Fukuoka.
A piece of Aizu tradition for your home.
How it travels
Packed safely, insured in full
Every piece is packed by hand in Fukuoka inside a sturdy 3 mm corrugated carton, cushioned all round with air pillows so it cannot move. It travels with tracking all the way to your door: by EMS, insured for its full value, on orders of $100 or more, and by tracked airmail below that.
A question about this piece — size, marks, condition? Ask the house, we answer within a day.