decorative ridge-end tile with a demon face
Traditional architectural ornament placed at the ends of roof ridges, often featuring a fierce demon face to ward off evil spirits.
Demon-faced ridge-end tiles line the roof of the temple.
Onigawara are said to have the meaning of warding off evil.
hideous face; scary face
Rare metaphorical use comparing a person's stern or frightening expression to the demon face on a ridge-end tile.
My father's angry face was just like an onigawara.