Hannya mask

Japan

11 inches (with horns), composite

The Hannya mask, with its horns and sharp fangs, is probably the best known of all Noh masks. This character was once a beautiful woman who fell in love with a priest. Her unrequited love causes her to turn into a monster who expresses the fury of a woman overwhelmed by jealousy and anger. These are common in Japan where people believe the image of a scary monster will drive evil spirits from their home... sort of a good luck mask.

This Hannya has darkened with age. There are a few small chips and one of the horns appears to have been repaired, but that is not necessarily bad for old folk art.

SOLD