Handcrafted and signed | Early 20th Century
 
The White Hannya (白般若) mask is one of the most iconic and psychologically complex masks in the Noh repertoire, embodying the tormented spirit of a woman consumed by jealousy, betrayal, and unfulfilled longing. While the standard Hannya mask is rendered in red to express violent rage, the white variation represents a younger woman whose beauty remains visible beneath her anguish, giving the mask a subtler and more tragic intensity.
The mask is characterized by sharp horns, metallic eyes, and a gaping mouth that reveals both fury and suffering. Its whitened surface emphasizes purity and youth, creating a haunting contrast with the demonic features that symbolize her inner transformation. This duality allows the White Hannya mask to communicate not only terror but also pathos, evoking deep empathy in the audience.
It is most famously used in Noh plays such as Aoi no Ue (based on The Tale of Genji) and Dōjōji, where the heroine’s suppressed emotions erupt into supernatural wrath. Carved from Japanese cypress and finished with layers of lacquer and natural pigments, the mask is designed to shift expression under changing light and subtle tilts of the actor’s head, appearing sorrowful, enraged, or mournful depending on the moment.
For connoisseurs and scholars, the White Hannya mask exemplifies the essence of Noh: the fusion of beauty and terror, restraint and intensity, material craft and spiritual depth. It stands not only as a performance artifact but as a profound meditation on the complexity of human emotion in classical Japanese theater.
Skillfully crafted, this mask captures the essence of Japanese Noh theater with striking detail that tells a story of sorrow and transformation. Whether displayed as a stunning showpiece or used in performative arts, it is a testament to our commitment to preserving and celebrating historical artistry. 
 
Condition:
Peeling due to age
 
Origin:
Japan, Early 20th century