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an image of a wooden mask with horns on a black backgroundan image of a wooden mask with horns on a black backgrounda close up of a wooden mask with horns on a black background
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60 - Shiro-Hannya-style Nō mask
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Estimate €18,000 - €21,000
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Description
Shiro-Hannya-style Nō mask Attributed to the sculptor Tōsui Deme Mitsunori (? – 1729) Edo period, 18th century Awasebako The Hannya mask depicts a jealous demon or a snake-woman. It has two sharp horns resembling those of a bull, metallic eyes and a wide mouth split from ear to ear. It is generally believed that the name ‘Hannya’ derives from a monk-artisan named Hannya-bō, who created this type of mask. The Hannya mask features in famous Nō plays, such as *Aoi no Ue* and *Dōjōji*. It embodies the souls of women who have become demonic under the influence of obsession or jealousy. Its striking yet terrifying appearance makes it one of the most iconic masks in Nō theatre. Although it exudes danger and ferocity, it also expresses pain and inner torment, revealing the full complexity of human emotions. Every angle of the mask reflects a distinct emotion: viewed from the front, it appears furious and frightening; when viewed from a slight downward angle, it appears imbued with deep sadness. There are several types of Hannya masks, including: the Shiro-Hannya (‘White Hannya’), as in this example, and the Aka-Hannya (‘Red Hannya’). This mask displays an exceptionally intense expression: the pale face and the pronounced hollows of the frontal sinuses convey anger mingled with the pain of deep sorrow. The delicately tousled black locks of hair reinforce its macabre appearance, as if this demoness were losing herself in the grip of jealousy and resentment. Tōsui Deme Mitsunori (also known as Mokunosuke, Manku or Mambi) was a master carver of Nō masks from the Edo period, who died in 1729. He belonged to the prestigious Deme family, a lineage of mask-makers originating from Echizen Province (now Fukui Prefecture). The Deme family’s craft tradition dates back to the 1500s, their founder having adopted ‘Deme’ as a surname in reference to their place of origin. Deme Mitsunori’s masks are renowned for their exceptional quality and their fidelity to the classical aesthetics of Nō. A remarkable example of his work, a Ko-omote (young woman) mask, is held in the collections of the Tokyo National Museum. Provenance: Kōchū-an Collection (Osaka)
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About the sale Art Animation VII: Monsters, Villains and Antagonists
Auction location
Auction time 10/18/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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