Description

Small ceramic Japanese Hannya demon display mask (kazarimen).  The Hannya mask is possibly one of the best known and most famous of all masks used with traditional Japanese Noh theatre (please read below to learn more about Noh and its sister performance art Kyogen).  The mask of Hannya is typically worn to represent the face of a woman turned demon through jealousy and rage.  The mask offered here is a splendid example of Hannya with striking detail and a fierce, captivating gaze.  The mask is less than 40 years old and in good condition with no cracks though it does have some small chips as well as marks and scratches from handling and wears a darkened patina of age.  This interesting artifact of Japanese culture was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Size:
Height: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)
Width (across widest point): 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)

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More about Japanese Noh and Kyogen theatre

Noh (pronounced “no”) theatre is one of the classical Japanese forms of stage performance.  Noh and its more light hearted and humorous sister art Kyogen are often performed together in traditional theater houses within large Japanese cities.  In the past, formal Noh/Kyogen performances would last all day with several heavy and serious Noh dramas of different genres being performed with periodic Kyogen performances between these to give the audience a break and a chance to laugh.  Noh actors are always male (even the ones dressed as women), and normally share the stage with an orchestra of traditional Japanese musicians as well as a choir.  The actors recite their lines in old Japanese style (most Japanese can’t understand them and must follow the story with a written script) sung with trailing syllables oscillating with flowing emphasis.  Noh and Kyogen actors often wear masks to help them better portray the character they are playing or to lend emphasis to key points of their performance.  With the exception of demon masks (which are very expressive) most Noh/Kyogen masks are neutral in expression, requiring the actor to indicate emotion exclusively through subtle body movements.  The craft of making Noh and Kyogen masks is an important Japanese art form in itself and many masks (particularly the dramatic demon and god masks) are collected by Japanese and foreign enthusiasts of Japanese culture.

item code: R1S4-0003535
ship code: L1650