Japan HANNYA mask meaning and shintomasks.com collaboration!

Good news everyone!

I have new collaboration with excellent author and designer of Japanese handmade masks – SHINTO.MASKS.

From this time I can make any mask pendant or ring from the design of which you can find on official resourses of SHINTO.MASKS – INSTAGRAM and official SITE Just take a look at this glorious design and took one of this hand-made masks at home!

Hannya (Japanese: 般若) is a mask used in Japanese Noh theater. When held upright, it depicts the terrifying grin of a jealous woman, demon, or snake. However, when tilted slightly, the slanted eyebrows create the appearance of a face weeping inconsolably. The mask features two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a half-open mouth that stretches from ear to ear.
The name “Hannya” (般若) is a Sino-Japanese word for the Buddhist concept of prajna, or enlightened wisdom. One tradition holds that the mask is named after the artist, the monk Hannya-bo (般若坊), who is said to have perfected its appearance. Another explanation is that the perfect wisdom of the sutras and their variations was considered particularly effective against female demons. An alternative explanation is that it takes a great deal of skill for a master to create this mask.