|
 |
Japanese Masks
At Old Japan we carry a number of beautiful,
distinctive Japanese Masks. We occasionally carry fine, Antique Masks that are 50 to 150 years old,
but we also carry contemporary, hand-made papermache masks in an assortment of different
characters from Noh theater and Japanese Folk Lore.
Japanese Masks have become popularized through
their use in Noh and other theater and dance. They were originally used to cover the face of the
performer and represent the classical face of certain individuals, such as Hero, Deity, Ghost,
Mythical Animal, etcetera. The use of certain masks like Okame, Hyottoko, and Tengu also became
popular in certain Japanese Festivals around Japan, often adding a comic quality.
|
|
|
|
|
Okame 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Hannya 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!
|
|
|
|
|
Sambaso 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Tengu 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Kitsune 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Koomote The
face of a character of a Young Woman, in a Noh Play.
|
|
|
Any of these masks are available for
purchase. They are all hand-made of papermache, by craftsman in Japan.
Any mask can be purchased for the listed price, adding $15 for shipping.
Please place an order by calling our store in Lenox, Massachusetts,
at 413-637-3300 to give us a credit card over the phone. Or if you
prefer, send us a check for the exact amount. An out-of-state check
takes seven business days to clear, and we will only ship when the
check clears. We don't take credit cards over the Internet because
we are not set up to electronically secure your privacy.
We have a few one of a kind antique, wooden masks of Hannya and Tengu. If you
are interested in older, more expensive masks, please stop by our
store in Lenox. We would be pleased to show them to you.
|
|
