The Curse of Hannya: A Demon Born of Love and Pain
In Japan, there once lived a woman — refined, charming, and passionate. Her name was Hannya, a word that means “wisdom” in Sanskrit. Hannya was madly in love. Her feelings for her man were so powerful, they nearly tore her apart. Yet, beneath her deep affection, a silent fear grew: the fear of being replaced, of being unloved, of being left for another woman.
And one day, that fear took form. It turned out that Hannya's man did not love her as deeply. He betrayed her, and she was so consumed by pain, rage, and overwhelming jealousy that she lost everything human within her and turned into a demon. Thus, Hannya became a yōkai — specifically, a kind of Oni.
Naturally, this tale found its way into Japanese theater art. Today, the Hannya mask is worn by actors in Noh and Kyōgen theater. Viewed head-on, the mask reveals a terrifying, demonic grimace of a jealous woman. However, if the mask is slightly tilted, the slanted eyebrows create the illusion of a face weeping in grief and unbearable sorrow.
Nowadays, the Hannya mask is seen as a powerful symbol — one that protects against evil spirits and the demons of the past. It is even said to bring good luck.
The masks you saw in the pictures are the ones we make ourselves — as enthusiasts of Japanese culture. Our handcrafted Hannya masks will not only guard you from supernatural danger, but also enhance your space as beautiful pieces of Japanese art. Order this wonder at WorkshopRS.com 🤍
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