The Hannya is one of the most visually stunning, and perhaps the most frightening of Japanese Masks. With horns, bulging eyes, and the occasional set of sharp fangs, this mask is a representation of a Female Demon, and has also come to represent the face of a jealous woman, or a woman scorned. When Japanese women marry they traditionally wear a huge white headdress which is said "to hide the Horns of Jealousy".

 

While the Okame mask is a representation of a typically lovely, always cheerful Japanese woman, the Hannya represents her darker side. This is a common motif often found in Japanese Art. It's possible to sip hot sake from a sake cup that shows the smiling face of Okame on the inside, and the demonic face of Hannya on the other! 8" X 6"

The Kitsune or Japanese Fox is found in many instances of Japanese Folk Lore, with both benevolent and malicious qualities. On the favorable side, the Fox is believed to be the messenger of the God of Rice, while on the darker side, Foxes are said to have the ability to take the shape of humans, and trick and deceive them. The Fox is also said to possess Infinite Vision, an All-Hearing Ear, and the secrets of the souls of others. He is also said to have full knowledge of the Universal Past and Present. 9" X 5"

The face of a character of a Young Woman, in a Noh Play. 9"x5 1/4"

This Japanese Mask has two names, Otafuku and Okame. Otafuku literally means "Much Good Fortune", and Okame means "Tortoise", also a lucky symbol for long life. Otafuku represents a lovely, always smiling Japanese woman who brings happiness and good fortune to any man she marries. She is also known as the Goddess of Mirth. 8" X 6"

The word Sambaso literally means, "The third Oldest Man", and is a character performing a prologue in a classical play, either in Noh or Kabuki or Bunraku. Sambaso is performed as a greeting to the audience on behalf of the actor's performing that night; and the role of Sambaso is always performed by the "third Oldest man" in the ensemble of actors. 8" X 6"

Tengu are some of the oldest mythological "deities" in Japan. They inhabit trees, are good swordsmen, and are fond of playing tricks on human beings. Being part bird and part man, they have wings and large noses or "beaks" . Nowadays, long-nose Tengu find their way into many local Matsuri festivals, as a phallic symbol indicative of fertility and good harvest.

 

The most beloved story relating to the red-faced Tengu is that of Yoshitsune. When the young Yoshitsune's life was spared by the Taira, the clan who defeated his clan, the Minamoto, he was sent away to be raised by monks in a monastery. At night in the woods he secretly practiced the sword, hoping to train himself in its use and eventually avenge his family. The local Head Tengu watched him every night and took pity on him, befriending him and taking up his cause, by superbly training him in the sword, in strategy, and in tactics. Because of his supernatural training in the martial arts, and his desire to avenge his family, he became famous and beloved for his exploits in battle. 8" X 7"