While traveling across Japan, we couldn’t help but notice the striking onigawara tiles adorning rooftops everywhere. Their fierce, glaring expressions and intricate designs sparked our curiosity. Traditionally, these tiles serve as talismans to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, protecting homes and temples from misfortune. But as we delved deeper, we discovered that their origins are far more complex than we initially thought.

The history of onigawara dates back around 1,400 years to the Asuka period, with the earliest examples excavated from Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture. Interestingly, these early tiles weren’t shaped like demons but featured lotus flower patterns, possibly introduced from the Korean Peninsula. Further research revealed an unexpected Western influence—similar protective imagery existed in the ancient Roman Empire, where Medusa’s face was placed over entrances in Palmyra, Syria, to ward off evil. This practice traveled along the Silk Road to China and eventually reached Japan during the Nara period, evolving into the demon-faced onigawara we see today.

Despite their fearsome reputation, onigawara are not always designed to intimidate. Many feature symbols of good fortune, such as the Seven Lucky Gods or the Magic Mallet, meant to bring prosperity to families. The roof itself holds great significance in Japanese architecture, serving as a home’s first line of defense against natural elements. Skilled artisans known as onishi (demon craftsmen) continue to uphold this tradition, with around 70 to 80 remaining in Japan as of 2021. The majority of them work in Aichi Prefecture, home to Sanshu tiles—one of Japan’s three major tile-producing regions alongside Sekishu (Shimane) and Awaji (Hyogo).

From their ancient roots to their enduring presence in modern Japan, onigawara tiles embody a rich blend of cultural influences, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance. Whether warding off misfortune or inviting prosperity, they remain an iconic element of Japanese rooftops, silently watching over the homes they protect.

We have sourced a curated range of almost pristine Ancient Onigawaras and they are available in store.