Workshop no. 31: Becoming Kitsune: A Lesson in Color, Masks and Papercraft

In the latest installment of rikumo workshops, visitors to the concept store were given the chance to craft a paper mask and become kitsune – the mischievous fox spirits of Japanese legend. Before the cutting and folding began, however, rikumo co-founder Kaz Morihata kicked things off with a lesson in two parts. To start, a brief history of kitsune and their significance throughout Japanese culture. Then, an all-ages crash course on color theory, offering the group an informed perspective on complementary color selection which could then be applied to their own mask design.

With all the knowledge and tools to succeed, attendees set out to score, fold, and layer together a multicolored fox mask of their own. Those familiar with previous workshops flexed their kirié skills, adorning their masks with intricate markings and whisker-like motifs. After just over an hour of crafting, each member of the class departed with a customized kitsune visage, rendered in many striking shades and ready to wear out on Halloween night. Check out some photos of the session below!

About Kitsune

The kitsune is a longstanding fixture in Japanese folklore dating back thousands of years. According to legend, these creatures are foxes that have lived for a century or more, eventually gaining supernatural powers as a result of their long life. Kitsune are traditionally associated with Inari Ōkami, one of the principal deities of the Shinto religion and god of success and prosperity.

A common theme in tales involving kitsune is deception and trickery aimed at evildoers; they often use shapeshifting abilities or powers of illusion to trick the wicked and corrupt into receiving a just punishment. The oldest of these foxes are often depicted as having as many as nine tails, a sign of their immense power and wisdom.