Japanese Hannya Evil Noh Tengu Kagura Kabuki Mask Men

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EDO Period Japanese Tengu Mask - Wood Carving (#0775)

EDO WOODEN Japanese Noh Mask Men

   Fierce scowling face, showing extreme agitation, used for demonic spirit. It expresses masculine rage.

Related Information:

Evil masks go back to the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (1336 - 1392). The Noh play (NOGAKU) was not yet complete. There were performers who would wear the devil masks called Sarugaku and Dengaku. When performers portray animals or devils they wear these masks. Before Buddhism came to Japan over six centuries ago, people believed that giant and fearful devils lived in or near the mountains and the river.

On New Years Eve (February 3rd) everyone thought there may be extreme changes in the climate. There were a ceremonies held to repel the demon from the shrine or temple, and this gradually became a custom among the people.
Devil masks serve two purposes; the first to portray the devil and create disasters or cause the plague, and conversely they are used to ward off evil spirits.
On the evening of New Years, people sing to drive the evil spirit away and for good luck they scatter beans as a sign of the coming spring.
As a result Japanese call these masks Kjin or Fierce God Mask.

Measurements:

Overall Height x Width x Depth = 19 x 11 x 8.5  cm

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