Hanya Menuki

The Hanya mask is that of a horned Woman. This mask design has been used in Noh theater for several different plays over the centuries. Generally, it portrays a jealously enraged woman, but one notable called Adachigahara (Fields of Adachi) provides a different portrayal. The play regards a cannibal woman goblin that lures travelers into her hut, then devours them. A Buddhist monk traveling the countryside asks for shelter which the old woman provides, then warning him not to look into one of the rooms. He eventually give in to his curiousity while she is out gathering more firewood, sees the remains of her victims piled high within it. Shocked and terrified, he flees the house chased by the Hanya the old woman has transforms into. He barely escapes with his life. The lessons are not to give in to curiosity, be cautious, and ever mindful of your situation. Perhaps these are the tennents behind these menuki. The walking stick hints at the old woman before transformation, while the mask is after.

These are nice sized, appropriate for a Katana. I would guess them to be of 20th century manufacture. They don't have a really old "feel" to them in my opinion. But they are quite nice and well made. Includes box.

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