The Bearded Basket and Other Essays

Why does a festival basket have a beard? What separates a deity from an oni? Why must a cock crow at just the right moment? Orikuchi Shinobu follows these questions across imperial ceremonies, village festivals, ancient poems, and theatrical traditions.

The opening essay examines the high imperial seat and the language of divine authority. A long study of bearded baskets traces ritual containers, bamboo ornaments, sacred poles, and festival floats. Further essays explore the relationship between visiting deities and oni, the timing of cockcrow in sacred observances, and the story behind the nō play Parrot Komachi. Songs and historical anecdotes become evidence in a distinctive investigation of Japanese belief and performance.

This complete new English translation presents all five essays in their supplied order. Explanatory notes distinguish the author’s hypotheses from established facts, preserve uncertain readings, and clarify the quoted poetry and ritual terms. AI-assisted translation.