National Monaka Encyclopedia 76: Shuzenji Monogatari (Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

This is a monaka shaped like a slightly scary mask. The face is split vertically in two, with gaping holes for eyes, and it wears an expression of sorrow bordering on terror.
This old mask is actually modeled after the face of Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, and the original is enshrined in the Shuzenji Temple treasure hall. Yoriie was the eldest son of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako, and he became shogun at the young age of 18. However, due to his excessive dictatorial rule, he was forced to enter the priesthood and was confined to Shuzenji. While he was soaking in a hot spring at Shuzenji, a large amount of lacquer was poured into the hot water source, causing his entire body to break out in a rash and fall ill, eventually leading to his death. It is said that before he died, Yoriie had a carver engrave his swollen, rash-covered face onto a mask to show his mother, Masako. It is also known as the 'Death Mask'.
Meiji-era playwright Kido Okamoto used this story as inspiration to write 'Shuzenji Monogatari,' which became popular as a Kabuki play. The 'Shuzenji Monogatari' monaka is based on this story and is modeled after the actual mask of Yoriie.
Inside the shell, which looks just like the real thing, is a firm, slightly sweet chunky red bean paste, and the bag features an illustration of a mask carver at work. It is a truly unique monaka in both its shape and origin.

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