The Enigma of Hannya: Exploring Japan’s Iconic Demon Masks

Have you ever been frightened by the Hannya mask? Some people think it's the face of the devil. However, that’s an overly simplistic way to describe something so enigmatic. Discover how the hannya mask came to represent jealousy and emotional complexity, not just in Japan but all over the world. We’ll reveal its deep symbolism, history, types, theater usage, and much more!

Introduction:

The Hannya mask is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols in Japanese Noh theater. By Noh theater, we mean a form of classical dance-drama performed in Japan since the 14th century. Actors in Noh plays wear different types of masks to represent the intense emotions of their characters.

One of these Japanese masks is the Hannya. Like many of the others, the Hannya mask has a striking and fearsome appearance. Some might even say it's hideous. However, it frequently depicts a female demon overcome with jealousy. The horned mask is often depicted in a state of sorrow and torment. You can find the hannya mask in most Noh plays and sometimes in Kyōgen plays. In Shinto culture, performers of the kagura dance often wear hannya masks as part of the ritual. People get tattoos of the Hannya all over the world. Some do it because it looks cool, while others believe it can ward off evil or bring good luck. 

What is a Hannya Mask?

The hannya is a traditional Japanese mask used in Noh theater to represent a jealous female demon. It is a fearsome face with two bull-like horns, a leering mouth, sharp teeth, metallic eyes, and a sorrowful expression. Unlike the samurai mask commonly worn for protection, hannya masks are mainly worn during traditional theatrical performances.

The hannya mask is a classical portrayal of the female onryō (vengeful spirit), similar in concept to the preta (hungry ghost) in Buddhism. The mask frequently depicts a betrayed woman who becomes an oni, or demon, as a result of her obsession and jealousy. In some cases, the hannya is a serpent or dragon. Hannya masks are not the same as oni masks. That’s because an oni mask represents a masculine Japanese demon, but the hannya is female in nature.

You can tell if you’re looking at the hannya mask based on certain characteristics. For one, the bull-like horns and hideous eyes are an easy giveaway. However, an original hannya is also characterized by its ability to change expressions depending on what angle the wearer holds it. Worn looking straight ahead, it appears angry and fearsome. With a downward tilt, it appears sorrowful. 

In Japanese folklore, often portrayed by Noh plays, the hannya was once a beautiful woman. Some tales claim that her lover betrayed or abandoned her, while others contend that he merely scorned her. Either way, she feels so much anger and jealousy that the emotions consume her soul and turn her into a demon. Her face is unrecognizable, but she sometimes maintains her beautiful human body. The demonic hannya is on a quest for vengeance and will kill and eat the humans who have wronged her.

The Origin and History of the Hannya Mask

The hannya mask first appeared in Japanese theater art in the 14th century. Actors wore the masks to portray emotional complexity through the changing expressions of the masks. The name “hannya” is a Sino-Japanese word that translates to “wisdom” in English. There are two main origin stories for this name. The first is that it was created by a monk known as Hannya-bo and named after him. The second story declares that only an artist with great wisdom could create the hannya mask. We can’t argue with the second one, because making a hannya mask is indeed a complex task.

Since its beginnings in early Noh theater, the mask has played a role in various forms of traditional Japanese performance art, including Kyōgen plays, Kabuki theater, and Shinto rituals. For the most part, it never strayed from its demonic portrayal in those arts. In the 21st century, the hannya mask transcended its theatrical role through urban fashion, illustrations, sculptures, graffiti, and tattoos. 

Symbolism Behind the Hannya Mask

The hannya mask represents a series of intense, mostly negative emotions. It symbolizes female jealousy, rage, and pain. Any woman who has ever experienced betrayal or scorn from a loved one can relate to the hannya. Hence, it’s often associated with feelings of despair, torment, melancholy, sorrow, and heartbreak. Because of their ability to switch from angry to sad expressions depending on the angle you hold them, hannya masks are representations of the complexity of human emotions.

You can discern even more meaning from the hannya when you consider its folklore. The character used to be a calm, attractive, and wise woman until her lover betrayed and abandoned her. Now, she roams the earth in demonic form, tormenting those who wronged her. The story suggests that there is a darkness in us all, waiting to be unleashed by intense emotions. It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to hannya symbolism, however. The mask can sometimes symbolize wisdom and good luck. Many people also use it as a tattoo or talisman to keep evil away.

Types of Hannya Masks: From Namanari to Oni Hannya

We can categorize the hannya mask based on two qualities: color and stage. Let’s take a look at the different types of hannya masks according to each of those qualities.

Types of Hannya Masks Based On Color

The colors of the hannya mask represent the status and identity of the woman who turned into the demon. Colors also represent the driving emotion of the hannya.

• Red: The woman is a commoner of low social status. The color also represents a jealous hannya.

• Dark Red: This is a true demon or a demon disguised as a human.

• Blue: Sadness is the driving force behind this hannya.

• Green: The color represents a compassionate hannya. However, it can commit evil acts when provoked.

• White: The woman behind the hannya comes from a noble family. She has a high social status and sophisticated character.

Different Stages of the Hannya

According to folklore and theatrical performances, the woman doesn’t spontaneously transform into the hannya. Rather, she undergoes a series of different transformations as she becomes increasingly angry, resentful, and jealous. There are three main stages, and a different hannya mask represents each one.

• Namanari: Often considered the hannya’s preliminary stage, the namanari has the smallest horns among the different types. It still resembles a woman and hasn't completely succumbed to evil spirits. Hence, she has a chance to revert to her human form, especially through exorcism or prayer. 

• Chūnari: The chūnari is the typical and most common type of hannya. In some cases, it’s simply another name for the hannya. The feelings of jealousy and resentment in this type are more intense than in namanari. It also has longer horns. The chūnari is unrecognizable as a woman, possessing sharp claws and fangs. Prayers and exorcism may reverse the changes but the task is a lot harder than with the namanari. 

• Honnari: This is the strongest type of hannya. The woman in question has completely lost herself in intense feelings of hate, anger, and jealousy. She is now a demon and can never return to her human form. The honnari takes the form of a fire-breathing serpent.

Hannya Mask Performances: A Theatrical Showcase

Outside of traditional Noh theater, Hannya masks are used in various performances, particularly Kabuki and modern theatrical productions. Kabuki theater is filled with showmanship, using elements like costumes, make-up, wigs, and masks. The use of a mask is rare in Kabuki, especially when compared to Noh. Rather, the art prefers kumadori stage makeup. When hannya masks are used, however, they help the noh actor exaggerate emotions and expressions of jealousy and anger. If you would like to learn more about Kabuki theater, check out our article on the topic.

In modern theatrical productions, hannya masks are still being produced for shows in Japan. Many of them are wooden masks hand-carved in Kunisaki, Oita, on the island of Kyushu. They’re used in famous plays like Aoi no Ue and Dōjōji, where their powerful symbolism enhances the dramatic narrative. 

Hannya Masks in Noh Theatre

The historical home of the first mask in Japan, Noh theater, is responsible for popularizing the hannya mask. Each play consists of 2–3 actors, and one of them wears a hannya mask to convey complex emotions. The mask also sets a darker tone for the overall mood and storytelling. You can learn more about these plays in our latest article about Noh. The following are popular characters that often wear the hannya mask in Noh plays:

• Shite in Noh Kanawa: Her husband left her for another woman. We can consider her a namanari because her demonic transformation was never complete until she underwent a ritual.

• Lady Kiyo in Dōjō-ji: Her romantic advances were turned down by a young priest, causing her to transform into a fire-breathing serpent. She’s definitely honnari.

• Lady Rokujō in Aoi no Ue: She possessed Lady Aoi and had to be forcibly removed by exorcism, leading to the death of her host. Lady Rokujō is often depicted with the chūnari mask.

Where to Buy Hannya Masks

The best way to purchase authentic hannya masks is to visit one of the many shopping districts in Japan. We highly recommend that you shop at Asakusa, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Local traditional artisans in Kunisaki, Oita, are also renowned for their ability to create original noh masks made from Japanese cypress. However, you can find more artisans in other parts of the country that are just as good.

People outside of Japan have the opportunity to buy hannya masks from online platforms. Unless you’re buying from a verified auction or collector, there’s every chance that you’re getting a replica. Nevertheless, it’s possible to buy antique hannya masks from as far back as the Edo period online.

Hannya Masks in Modern Culture

Hannya masks have extended their influence beyond traditional settings in modern Japanese culture. In fashion, they inspire urban clothing and accessories such as printed-on t-shirts, hoodies, and caps. The mask has also found its way to the contemporary art scene, making appearances in paintings, digital illustrations, urban graffiti, and sculptures. Since the 1960s, the hannya has appeared in various pop culture media, including movies, video games, manga, and anime. It’s especially popular in video games, even making an appearance in 2013’s Tomb Raider. Perhaps the most common adoption of the hannya in Western culture is through tattoos. Artists from Japan create stunning designs that adorn the skin of their international clients.

Conclusion:

The hannya masks have been here for centuries and are here to stay. Their take on traditional art and human psychology is one of the most fascinating concepts you can find in Asia. Attend related Noh plays to experience their artistic beauty and deep emotional resonance up close. While you wait for your chance to see the hannya, enjoy authentic treats and snacks from Japan. A Bokksu Snack Box Subscription gets you a monthly supply of our favorite treats. There’s always something new for you in every box!