HANNYA TO MOMIJI 般若匕紅葉
The Hannya mask is a traditional Japanese Noh theater mask that represents a female demon. The mask is typically carved from lightweight wood and painted to resemble a scowling face with sharp teeth and bulging eyes. The Hannya is often depicted as a woman who has become jealous or angry, and has transformed into a demon as a result. The mask is used to portray characters in Noh plays that are consumed by these negative emotions. The intricate design and haunting expression of the Hannya mask has made it a popular symbol of Japanese culture, and it is often seen in art, jewelry, and tattoos.
As a tattooer I have always been intrigued by the design of the Hannya mask...