Hannya masks are fearsome symbols in Japanese tattoo culture. Learn of their intriguing history and significance. Browse unique hannya tattoo designs for inspiration.
As you might've realized from our publications on the Facebook group 'What in the $20 wish tattoo machine is this?' or the 'That's It, I'm Inkshaming' group, sadly, subpar tattoos are pretty common. Which makes the good ones even more admirable.
Click the image to buy the book. Something that I like to do during my free time is read about Japanese mythical creatures. I find it all so fascinating: the art, the history, the stories associated with each and their connection to the world of tattooing. I already have one Japanese creature tattooed on me (click here to see it), with plans for several more. Dragons are probably the most common creature featured in tattooing, but there are hundreds more to discover. Here are my favourite Japanese mythical creatures. Read More >>> Akkorokamui The Akkorokamui is a giant squid-like creature said to grow up to 120m in length and live in Funka Bay. I’ve had a fascination with giant squids since watching ‘The Beast’ TV movie when I was young. Ameonna The term ameonna refers to a person believed to be jinxed, who brings rain with them wherever they go. I feel as though this sums up my life perfectly. Baku A baku is a supernatural creature that devours dreams and nightmare. Likewise with dragon, a baku has the physical characteristics of several different animals including: elephant, ox and tiger. Gaki I’m a firm believer in karma, and it’s the gaki which represents ‘hungry ghosts’ of people who were jealous or greedy in a previous life. The gaki are afflicted with an insatiable hunger for foul objects. It’s a reminder that too much of a good thing can be bad. Genbu A genbu (or black tortoise) is often depicted with a snake coiled around its body. As these creatures gained knowledge they used it for evil rather than good, thus becoming demons. When they were faced with their imminent demise they repented for their sins in order to live. To me, it’s important to recognise when you make an error in judgement or hurt another person, however it’s possible to right all wrongs. Hannya The hannya mask is similar to the myth of gaki, as it represents women who became demons due to their obsession or jealousy. I’m sure everyone can relate to being jealous of another person at some point in their lives. I was brought up to work hard and appreciate things, rather than to expect everything to be handed to me on a silver platter. To be happy with yourself and your life is far greater than living an unhealthy life of pain and jealousy. Kawauso A kawauso is a river otter with the supernatural ability to become human. In most stories the kawauso are depicted as dressing as young, poor children or women to attract people, to only then kill and eat them. Perhaps this is why the Japanese river otter is now considered extinct. Kitsune As a kitsune (or fox) ages they gain more wisdom, and with more tails, the more powerful they are. For the most part they’re mostly depicted as loving and mischievous creatures who transform into women, tricking men into marrying them. Foxes are such beautiful creatures, although where I live they often meet an untimely death as they run into traffic.
Do you have the strength for vengeance? Feel the stir of ancient wrath with the Red Handcrafted Ghost Hannya Resin Mask. Legend whispers that the Hannya was once human, consumed by a vengeful fire so potent, it transcended death itself. Wearing this mask, you embody the very essence of the Hannya's fury—transformed into a spectral demon of retribution, reborn from betrayal, and seeking revenge at any cost. Can Your Soul Bear Its Weight? The Hannya is not merely worn; it is a burden carried, a story told, and a challenge issued. Can you bear its weight Handcrafted with the finest resin, molded into a visage of revenge. Dominating dimensions of 11"*06"*7.8", crafted to make a bold statement. A fiery red base, with touches of gold, invoking the demon's intense passion and luxury of the ancient empire. Conceived from the haunting beauty of Japanese Noh theatre, each mask is a tangible echo of the Hannya's powerful legend. Will you dare to unleash the demon within?
These Celebrity Tattoos Prove That You Should Really Think Before You Ink
Tattooing is as old as history itself. As evidenced by archaeological records, tattooing has been practiced since the Neolithic era. Think around 6000 years before the present.
