![]() ![]() Hannya masks appear in various skin tones: a white mask indicates a woman of aristocratic status (such as Rokujō in Aoi no Ue), a red mask depicts a low-class woman (seen in Dōjōji), and the darkest red depicts true demons (revealed after appearing as women, as in Momijigari and Kurozuka. When the actor looks straight ahead, the mask appears frightening and angry when tilted slightly down, the face of the demon appears to be sorrowful, as though crying. According to Shinto mythology, oni are born from the souls of wicked humans who are punished after death by being transformed into demonic beings. The Hannya mask is said to be demonic and dangerous but also sorrowful and tormented, displaying the complexity of human emotions. The origins of oni are rooted in Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, as well as in ancient Japanese legends and myths. ![]() Plays in which a person may wear the hannya mask include Aoi no Ue and Dōjōji its use in these two plays, two of the most famous of the Noh repertoire, and its distinctive and frightening appearance make it one of the most recognizable Noh masks. In ancient times it was a symbol of sickness or something that tormented people. In ancient times it symbolised illness or something that tormented people. The Hannya mask portrays the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession or jealousy. The word ' Oni ' is said to be a variant of an ancient Japanese word meaning a something that lurks. The Hannya mask is used in many noh and kyōgen Japanese plays, as well as in Shinto ritual kagura dances. Upon seeing her arm, the demon immediately reverted into her hideous appearance and, grabbing the arm, fled from the house of Watanabe. As Hannya fled screaming, Watanabe carefully wrapped the severed arm and later hid it in a secured chest.Īfter much time had passed and the event had faded into memory, Hannya disguised herself as Watanabe’s aunt and thereby convinced him to display his “trophy” of Hannya’s limb. As the demon then laid hold of Watanabe, he quickly wielded his sword and cut off the monster’s arm. ![]() As they traveled, Watanabe happened to glance over his shoulder and saw the young woman transforming into a terrifying demon. A staunch samurai named Watanabe no Tsuna decided to lay in wait for the demon in order to slay it, until he was eventually persuaded by a beautiful young woman to escort her into town. Often depicted in traditional Noh and Bunraku plays using a wooden mask of a fierce and grimacing horned demon, this malicious entity may be Japan’s most well-known demon.Īn ancient legend recalls how the female Hannya persecuted all who attempted to pass through the Rashomon gate of Kyoto. In Japanese folklore the female demon (oni) Hannya figures prominently. ![]()
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