centuriespast:

Hannya
Object:

• Mask

Place of origin:

• Japan (made)

Date:

• 18th century (made)

Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)

Noh is the classical theatre of Japan which was codified in the 14th century under the father and son actors Kan’ami and Zeami under the patronage of the Shogun (supreme military leader) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The performances utilise masks and elaborate costume.

The mask represents a female serpent-demon filled with malicious jealousy and hatred. Two sharp horns sprout from the temples and bulbous, metallic eyes lie half hidden beneath scowling brows. The gaping mouth is full of gold teeth, with upper and lower fangs that heighten her ferocity. The flesh tone of the face varies depending on the social rank of the woman portrayed, with a lighter complexion indicating aristocratic status. The mask is worn by the protagonist (shite) in the second acts of Aoi no Ue, Dojoji, Kurozaka and Momijigari. The first two plays depict women betrayed or spurned by their lovers; the second two portray demons who first appear in human form to trap the unwary. Several traditions account for the name Hannya: the most plausible account traces the origins of the mask to the mask carver Hannyabo who was active in the late 15thC or early 16thC.

The Victoria and Albert Museum