Purple Hannya Mask
The hannya mask portrays the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession or jealousy, similar to the Buddhist concept of a hungry ghost. This one in particular is my first real attempt at a painting using color. I've offset the background to try and make it look as though it's coming out of the painting.
Red Hannya Mask
The red here is vibrant, striking and a real feast for the eyes. I feel like the strong contrast between the deep reds, white reflections and jet black shadows really bring it to life. As with the purple hannya mask I've offset it from the background to make it look like it's coming out of the painting.
Noh Mask and Blossom
My favourite thing about this one is that the eyes at a glance look like they're solid black. Look a little closer and you'll see there's actually a pair of proper eyes under there. This was my first time putting proper effort into painting flowers and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Red Hannya Mask #2
This was my very first attempt at a hannya mask painting. It's a striking mix of red and white, featuring a bold background of wavy black and white lines.
artist in shrewsbury
Japanese mask artworks
On this page, the artwork we will be focusing on centers around Japanese masks, such as Hannya masks and Noh masks. These oil paintings are bold and striking, appearing to come out of the page and capture the attention of all who view them.
Japanese masks have a rich history, dating back to ancient times when they were used in religious rituals and theatrical performances. These masks often represent different emotions, characters and creatures and are an important part of Japanese folklore and culture.
One of the most iconic Japanese masks is the Hannya mask. This mask represents a female demon or Oni who is said to be consumed by jealousy and rage. According to Japanese folklore, a woman who has been betrayed by her lover may transform into a Hannya, seeking revenge and causing harm to those who have wronged her.
The Hannya mask is traditionally used in Noh and Kabuki theatre, where it is worn by actors to portray this terrifying character. The mask is characterized by its bulging eyes, sharp teeth and horns, all of which give it a menacing appearance. In my artwork, I have captured the essence of this fearsome creature, using bold brushstrokes and vivid colours to bring the mask to life.
Another type of Japanese mask that I have focused on in my artwork is the Noh mask. These masks are used in Noh theatre, a traditional form of Japanese theatre that dates back to the 14th century. Noh masks are used to represent different characters and emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, and fear.
In my artwork, I have taken inspiration from some of the most iconic Noh masks, creating bold and striking pieces that capture the essence of these characters.
See what Japanese style paintings are available
I have some prints of my renowned Japanese masks available in my Etsy shop. From time to time there are original paintings also available. You can see the full range by clicking below.