Kasa-Obake - 傘おばけ - [Yokai | Tsukumogami]

Kasa-Obake.) - [Yokai | Tsukumogami] (JP: 傘おばけ) aka (Kara-Kasa-Kozo 唐傘小僧

• About this Yokai:

Kasa Obake are probably one of the most famous type of Tsukumogami (Antiquated, well-used, but neglected) haunted objects that have sprung to life after a long existence of 100 (or so) years. - Kasa Obake are old lacquered umbrellas which sprung to life through the process of Animism. – If you try to use one like an umbrella it instead will lick you all over! - (enjoy scaring people rather than keeping them dry.) - There are two-legged variants like other yokai they enjoy drinking oil, watch out for its big bro: Hone-kara-kasa!

• History & Early Appearances:
Dating back to illustrations from the Edo Period. - The Kasa Obake are said to appear on rainy nights: those that see it, would cower and not be able to move their feet, in other early stories, they'd try to blow you over with a big gust of wind. - Today: along with chochin obake, it more popularly appears as stock ghost character Children's Media or an enemy in Video Games & Anime.

Like many Yokai & other ghosts, Kasa-Obake are often said to drink Lamp Oil. - This is likely because the Traditional Techniques used to make paper umbrellas (and lamps) are made with layered washi paper which has been lacquered and coated using oils to increase the strength and weather resistance of the paper. - it checks out as to why they'd like it as a snack!

[Edo shokoku hyaku monogatari a board game from 1848]

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!