GALLERY

Shiro Hannya

One of the foremost masterpieces produced by Noh theatre. It is a symbol of rage with two horns that erupt from its forehead and glaring wide eyes that are fitted completely with golden crowns including the white parts of the eye. Its teeth are covered with gold crowns and gold mud including tusks that jut out from above and below and a mouth that splits from ear to ear. It has a terrifying appearance.

However, upon closer inspection, you see not only the expression of anger but also the expression of sadness and resentment which shouldn’t be possible. Both expressions should have opposite muscle movements but are carved together onto a single face. Because of this, depending on the angle of view, the expression of anger is emphasized, while the expression of grudge and sadness appears from another angle.

There are two other types of Hannya masks: the Aka Hannya with an angrier expression, and the Kuro Hannya with a more animalistic expression.