Hannya Noh Mask in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2019

Hannya Noh Mask
first half of the 17th century


Object Details

Artist: Yūkan Mitsuyasu (Japanese, 1577–1652)

Period: Edo period (1615–1868)

Date: first half of the 17th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Wood, gesso, polychrome pigments, and brass and gold accents

Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 × W. 7 × D. 4 1/2 in. (21.6 × 17.8 × 11.4 cm)

Classification: Masks

Credit Line: Lent by Stephen Marvin


In the second part of the play titled Lady Aoi (Aoi no Ue) by Zeami, based on Chapter 9, “Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), a mountain monk is summoned to perform a ritual to exorcise the vengeful spirit of Lady Rokujō. The jealousy in her heart is embodied as a female ogre, played by a Noh actor wearing a hannya mask, representing a female serpent-demon. A battle rages between the monk and the demon. Eventually, a Buddhist scripture reaches the lady’s heart, and her ogre aspect is calmed. The hannya mask has an open mouth, strong jaw, sharp teeth, golden eyes, and two horns. Its expression is simultaneously demonic, angry, frightening, tormented, and sorrowful.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/814908