Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Tattoo designs - H >> Hannya Masks

Hannya Mask Tattoo Meanings - The most well-known of the Oni demon masks in Japanese theatre, the Hannya mask has two sharp horns protruding from the temples, and bulging eyes staring from beneath a glowering forehead. The mouth is a gaping hole with grotesquely exaggerated canine teeth protruding from the mouth like the fangs of a wild animal. With its range of fierce emotions and expressions, the Hannya mask is a favourite tattoo image with enthusiasts of traditional Japanese tattooing.

One legend of the Hannya tells of a beautiful woman who falls in love with a priest. Some folk tales say she was rejected outright, while others have the priest returning her love, yet he was forbidden by his vows to touch her. Her longing and desperation, the tragedy and pain of her unrequited love turns her into a monster consumed with rage, jealousy, anger and revenge.

The social rank of the demon-woman is indicated by the colours of the mask. The lighter tones identify her as a member of the aristocracy, while a red lower half places her in the lower classes, and a completely red visage declares her a true demon. The darker the tones of the complexion, the more violent the portrayal of the emotions of the character who wears the mask.

Although the woman depicted by the Hannya Mask is a woman so hideously jealous that she has become a monster, the suffering and passion of this 'victim of unrequited love' is revealed in the details of the mask decoration, especially around the eyes. An artful tattooist will pay attention to this human aspect of the demon-woman.

In Japan, the Hannya mask is a popular good luck motif, and, like other terrifying icons, is believed to ward off evil spirits from the home.

The Hannya mask as a tattoo is often incorporated into a larger, more elaborate Japanese tattoo design, as just one in many elements that make up the story being related.

Get inspired by some great images and photos in our Hannya Mask Inspiration Gallery

See also: Oni Masks, Tengu, Japanese Tattoos, Japanese Tattoo Index

Choose your own classic Hannya mask tattoo designs at Tattoo-Art.com and buy the perfect Hannya mask design for yourself.

Hannya Mask tattoo designs and ideas by some of the world's top tattoo artists and flash illustrators.

Tattoo designs - H >> Hannya Masks

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z