Japanese Masks and Meanings

Masks were of great importance in ancient Japan from the point of performing rituals and also in plays. The different characters or creatures depicted with the help of these masks include common people, deities, ghosts, heroes, animals and devils. Earliest of the Japanese masks were made from cloth or clay. Masks were used in Japan from 10,000 B.C. Apart from use in plays and rituals, the masks were also used to cover faces of deceased ones. The belief/use of masks to deflect malevolent spirits was also common in ancient times. Let us find more about the masks used in Japan.

Ancient Japanese Masks

Few of the traditional Japanese masks are described in the article below. Most of the masks explained in the article were used in some or the other form of plays.

Gigaku
It is the oldest form of masks used in Japan. Gigaku is actually a dance drama of ancient Japan and masks associated with it are therefore known as the gigaku masks. The gigaku mask was brought to Japan from Korea in the 7th century. Gigaku masks were used to represent faces of different creatures viz., birds, lion, demon and superhumans; these masks were made from the paulownia wood.

Ondekomen
The 'Ondekomen' is also known as 'Devil Mask'. It is one of the traditional Japanese masks used in 'Ondeko', an artform that was practiced in Sado island of Japan. The design of Ondekomen masks is such that one enjoys a clear and wide vision. The holes made for nose too, are adjusted in a manner that the masks fits with the face properly. There is a hole near the mouth portion of the mask with a string attached to it. Holding the string in the mouth proves to be useful in keeping the mask in place/aligned properly.

Gyodo
The gyodo masks are used in representing Buddhist figures, dragon gods, guardian deities and bishamonten. These masks cover the whole face and are used in outdoor Buddhist processions. Most of the gyodo masks found today are from the Heian period.

Bugaku Masks
The bugaku masks are made from cypress wood however, those made with dry lacquer and from the 8th century can also be found. These masks cover only the face and not ears. Dimensions of bugaku masks are 7-13 inch. (length), 6-9 inch. (width) and 4-7 inch. (depth).

Hannya
The hannya mask represents a woman turned demon. This demon is represented with metallic eyes, pointed horns and teeth. The expressions carved on hannya masks are those of anger and resentment; it helps in representing a jealous and vengeful woman. The color in which this mask is painted indicates the intensity of anger. The red colored mask is associated with anger of higher intensity.

Otoko
This mask is used to represent young people who enjoy a high status in society. The otoko masks are mostly used to represent young men with a determined and warrior-like expression. There are many variations in the depiction of expressions of these masks. Those masks of men with hair at the sides portray a simple person without an aristrocratic look. The otoko mask is also used in the depiction of young women.

Uba
The uba masks represent old women and 'Takasago' is the play in which they are most commonly used. In order to depict the old age of women, uba masks are carved and colored with gray hair. Drawing furrows and lines on the face too is helpful in making it clear that the masks represent old women.

Komote
A calm, composed and beautiful face of women can be represented with komote masks. These masks were used by men who played female characters in Noh plays. Changes in these masks can be made by making them rounded and fuller and parting the lips a little bit. Carving and painting the facial features can add more sensuality to the komote masks.

Shikami
The shikami is a demon mask with features such as fang-like teeth, furrowed brow and a snarling mouth. This mask displays the ferocious expressions and thereby, the nature of demons. The color of shikami masks represent rage or anger. Teeth and eyes of the shikami mask are painted in metallic gold color.

The Japanese masks and meanings are explained in short, in the paragraphs above. The gigaku and hannya are the oldest and important face masks of Japanese tradition. The descriptions provided above, include the basic information and thus, gives us an overview of the Japanese culture and purpose/meaning behind using these masks.