The hannya mask has historically been an extremely popular Japanese tattoo design, and there is good reason why it looks so demonic. The hannya (?? han-nya) originates from stories told in traditional Japanese theater and is perhaps the most recognizable mask in Noh, a style of traditional Japanese theater comprised of music and dancing. It can also be seen being used in other styles of traditional Japanese theater such as Ky?gen and Kagura. The hannya mask represents souls of women who have become demons, full of anger and sadness as a result of jealousy.
The hannya tattoo is a great design to get as a single or as a part of a large scale piece. It looks great in black and grey as well as color, with endless possible color combinations. Here are some hannya tattoos rendered by the artists here at Kings Avenue Tattoo.
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Just finished this on my my buddy Sean. @kingsavetattoo #hanyamask #hanyatattoo
Sick!
[…] Matt Adamson completes a fun black and grey hannya on the client’s forearm putting his Neo Traditional touch to this classic Japanese tattoo imagery. You can also out different hannya tattoos done by Kings Avenue artists here! […]