100 ONI and HANNYA mask tattoos (and their meaning)

Various patterns stand out in traditional Japanese style. The most famous and popular are dragons, koi carps and cherry trees. But the designs of Hannya masks are also in great demand.

These masks owe their name to their creator Hannya-bo.

They were created for use in the Noh Theater. This version of the theater was brought to Japan from China in the 8th century. Only men could play. They conveyed the story through music, dance, gestures and looks.

Wooden masks were used to clearly indicate the temperament of certain characters. Hannya, in particular, represents a woman filled with sadness and anger due to jealousy and frustration.

Japanese folklore legend says that Hannah was a beautiful woman in love with a priest. Because of his vows, this man could not respond to his advances, and then Hannah's mind was filled with anger, envy and resentment. During her transformation into a demon, this woman sought revenge by inflicting pain on those she encountered, acting in a hateful and furious manner.

The appearance of this supernatural creature is evident in the details of the mask. Its sharp horns at the crown are characteristic. She is also depicted with metallic eyes and bared sharp teeth.

Color also provides valuable information about the nature of the work. The white masks show that the woman is part of the aristocracy, as opposed to the light red masks, which represent the working class. When the mask is bright red, it tells us that the woman is completely demonic.

Despite the historical origin of the Hannya masks, they are symbols of protection and good fortune. It is believed that they can ward off evil spirits. For this reason, they can often be seen at home and, of course, on people's skin.

Mask hanni

These designs are easily adaptable to different sizes. They can be done on the back of the hand, on the forearm, or on the small to medium biceps. But there are also larger versions that can be placed on the upper chest or back.

It is very popular to get this tattoo done with black ink with good shadow detailing. But there are also color compositions. Some stick to traditional tones such as white, light red, and dark red. It is also possible to use other colors such as blue, green or purple.

Only a demon can protect you from another demon.