Japanese mask tattoos are some of the most popular styles when it comes to tattoo art not only in Japan, but also in other countries. Before you consider Japanese mask tattoo ideas, you should understand that each tattoo has its own meaning as a purpose.
This may be one of the main reasons why tattoos continue to attract thousands of people outside of Japanese culture.
If you've been thinking about getting a tattoo that will last forever, then you should go take a moment and read the following information carefully so that you don't end up with a tattoo that you do to start regretting in a few years down the line.
What is a hanja
In Eastern culture, the image of a hanya (or hannya) is a protector from evil forces, an avenger of wrongs, a wise guardian of justice, and a cunning demon. In his person converged otherworldly power and strength, as well as devouring passion and even regrets for the offense. Tattoo hanja - a frequent guest on the skin of the Eastern man, they are now popular all over the world.
Such a portrait is difficult to forget, it always attracts the attention of others. Tattoo hanyah has been stuffed since ancient times in Japan, where the tradition of honoring spirits came from. For the Japanese, demons are not negative characters at all. They often helped the heroes of Japanese legends and fairy tales, bailed out entire cities and nations in distress. If an evil demon was encountered, he was foolish and got into trouble.
The original source of this image was the Tibetan guardian-protector, the wise and caring Khanya, who wore a snake mask. The hanyas are warlike spirits with a protective function. The hanyas were tattooed as amulets, similar to the guardian angels in the West.
In stores, temples or engravings, you can often see images of hanyas in the form of a theatrical or decorative mask. It looks intimidating, angry, but if you look at it from a different angle, you can read the facial expression differently - as compassionate and regretful, even sobbing.
To achieve the effect, the master has to work hard and use all his talent. Therefore, the hanja is also a suffering soul, which will find peace when it accomplishes its revenge and finds the abusers.
Photos of tattoos from Bloody wave studio
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Hania Mask: meaning of tattoos, photo works, videos and sketches.
One of the popular images in Japanese tattooing is the Demon Oni. These ghostly, fear-inspiring creatures are variously described in Eastern mythology and represent, most often, the guardians of hell and hunters of sinners.
Older tales also have good Demon protectors, such as monks who became Oni after death to protect the temple.
In tattooing, Oni Demons are almost always depicted with horns, and their faces often look like masks and are usually red or gray-blue in color.
SKULL
In fact, the meaning of the image of a skull in a tattoo has a deeper meaning than is commonly believed. Most people don't think about the true meaning of the skull and associate it only with a negative point of view.
But the skull is more than just danger, fear, or death. Originally, the skull symbolized "the great change." In different peoples' burial sites one can see the image of one or more skulls.
In ancient society the skull signified the celebration of death, that is, the transition to a "new life", showing respect for those who have undergone the greatest change and entered a new period of existence.
The hannya mask is one of many masks used in traditional Japanese Noh theater, which has been known for its performances since around the 14th century AD.
the hannya mask
The hannya mask is one of the many masks used in the traditional Japanese Noh Theater, which is known for its performances around the 14th century AD. The masks were used by actors to portray the personality and characters of the various characters in Japanese fairy tales.
The hannya mask represents an angry, jealous and vengeful woman who turned into a demon out of jealousy and anger. The horns, fangs, and glaring eyes express resentment, hatred, and suffering, while the scattered hair symbolizes strong emotions.
In tattooing, the hannya mask is sometimes complemented by masks of other characters, but it can also be a separate piece. Traditionally, the hannya mask is done in red, and the brighter and more aggressive the color used, the stronger the emotions expressed in the tattoo.
A characteristic motif of the Japanese tattoo is Namakubi, a severed or sword-pierced head with an angry expression on its face.
The Japanese tattoo "Namakubi" (severed head).
The distinctive subject of the Japanese tattoo is Namakubi, a severed or sword pierced head with an angry expression. The Namakubi can symbolize courage, respect for one's opponent, and a willingness to accept one's fate with honor. Can be used as an element of the circle of life or to show others punishment for unrighteous living.
Today's young Japanese, apparently influenced by Western European tradition, often favor tattoos of a somewhat negative and defiant nature. But while the subcultures of Western youth contain an element of Satanism and necromancy in its Christian meaning, the Japanese stick to their traditional beliefs in demonic beings, which are widely represented in Buddhism, Shinto and in folk tales and beliefs.
They
- in Japanese mythology so call evil humanoid monsters similar to Christian devils and demons.
They
have red, blue, green or black skin, are topped with horns and have huge fangs protruding from their mouths. They feed on human flesh, and in battle they are difficult to kill because the severed body parts grow back into place. There is a belief that a bad person can turn into a demon.
They
. Especially often in fairy tales, jealous and grumpy wives who grow horns on their heads turn into such monsters. In Japan, on February 3, a ceremony to exorcise demons is held.
They're
to Jigoku (Hell). On Setsubun, the Japanese throw soybeans over the threshold of their homes (it is believed that
Oni
hate soybeans) and shout: "
They
go away! Blessings are coming!"
They
symbolize illness and misfortune, which must be got rid of. Actors in scary demon masks take part in the festivities.
They
. In the theatricals.
They
are defeated by heroes, or drag, as servants of the god of death, sinners to hell. When it comes to tattoos, here.
They
have a protective function. In some legends, these demons serve as protectors of decent people and punish bad ones. For example, when it comes to the Yakuza, such tattoos are made by those who carry out the murders of unwanted Yakuza people, or engaged in debt collection.
Radzin - the god of thunder
There are many varieties of demons in Japanese folklore, and sometimes it is quite difficult to tell which demon represents which tattoo. Nevertheless, some are identifiable. Radzin
- god of thunder. Very often referred to with the wind god Fujiin. Depicted as a fierce horned demon, often tearing at a scroll with his teeth. Nevertheless, it is a positive deity, the protector of the Buddhist faith.
Ondeko-man
Ondeko-man. He is also called Oni-daiko ("demon dancing to the drum"). He is depicted dancing a demonic dance, accompanying himself on drums. This demon can be recognized by the round monks (signs) with three commas, symbolizing "heaven-earth-man" or the preservation of the equality of yin and yang. Dancers-drummers in costume and wearing masks depicting this demon often perform at various Japanese festivals. The ritual dance is intended to promote fertility of the land, harvest and prosperity. Apparently, there is a connection between this demon and Radzin, and Ondeko-man may be a form of this thunder deity.
Meaning of the Mask of Hanja tattoo
The hanya or hannya is, in Japanese folklore, an ugly horned and fanged demon turned into by a vengeful and jealous woman. This character is used in some plays of the Japanese Noh Theater. The hanyang mask is also used in festivals and Shinto rites, symbolizing vice. It is very often depicted on tattoos, but clearly not in a negative sense. There is a theory that the image of this demon is borrowed from Tibetan culture, from which many Japanese mythological creatures originate. In Tibet it was the guardian of Buddhism, and "hanya" means the same thing as "prana," meaning "wisdom. Often depicted along with the hanyas mask are sakura flowers, a snake, and a bell.
The Japanese demon Yaksha
In these tattoos, the Yaksha are shown as bloodthirsty spirits carrying severed heads.
The Yaksha - this demon was borrowed by the Japanese from Hindu mythology. There they were beautiful semi-divine beings born from the foot of Brahma along with the demons, the rikshas, but, unlike the former, were servants of the gods. Nevertheless, to humans they were often dangerous. Yakshini, the female varieties of yakshas, drank the blood of children and ate human meat. In the Japanese, the yaksha became a vampire, an ogre that people who deserved the punishment of the gods turned into. On the other hand, a yaksha could be a harmless "leshim" - "Lord of the Forest".
Rokurokubi
Rokurokubi demon tattoo
Japanese fox demons - Kitsune
Kitsune. The image of the fox - the werewolf penetrated into Japanese folklore from China, where it developed in ancient times. In China, these creatures are called huli-jing, and in Korea, kumiho. In Japanese folklore, kitsune is a kind of yokai (demonic creature). Kitsune has intelligence and knowledge, and can live a very long life. This werewolf's tail is a necessary attribute for creating illusions, and the older and stronger the fox, the more tails it has. Their number can be up to nine. The legend tells that these animals have magical powers and are capable of transforming into humans - they usually take the form of seductive beauties, but can take the form of an old man. They mostly use these powers to deceive people, and like vampires, feed on human life and spiritual power. They are also capable of possessing other people's bodies and creating illusions that are indistinguishable from reality. Nevertheless, kitsune often do good deeds, and, unlike the Chinese and Korean traditions, they are not evil cannibalistic demons. In the Shinto religion, the kitsune are messengers of Inari, the god of the rice fields and entrepreneurship, who himself is depicted as a fox. When Shinto mythology mixed with Buddhism, the fox received, in accordance with Chinese representations, demonic functions, but in general, in the Buddhist tradition, the fox-werewolf has a positive function as an attribute of the god Dakini. In tattoos, it may signify dexterity, mental acuity, the ability to find a way out in seemingly hopeless situations. In addition, the tattoo offers the ability to charm people and inspire love, just as kitsune does in fairy tales. In the photo, kitsune is shown in the guise of an evil ogre demon, which is more in line with Korean tradition. However, here he acts as a Buddhist guardian and holds a rosary with the skulls of apostates in his teeth, so the tattoo should not be seen as an indication of the aggressiveness of its owner - it is more an indication of the strength of religious beliefs and a request for protection from trouble and enemies.
Bakeneko - "cat monster
Japanese tattoo Bakeneko
Bakeneko (Japanese for "monster cat"). In addition to kitsune (foxes as werewolves) and tanuki (werewolves in the form of raccoon dogs), Japanese folklore has another kind of werewolf - cats that can turn into humans. An ordinary cat had to reach a certain age or size to turn into a werewolf. The strongest backeneko have a bifurcated tail and are called nekomata. As with other members of unclean forces, werewolf cats were treated ambiguously in Japan. On the one hand, they could help people with their magic, as described in many Japanese fairy tales and legends, but on the other hand there are examples where this image was associated with revenge and death. According to Japanese folk beliefs, a cat can kill its owner to take on the appearance of its owner, or take over the body of the deceased (to this day the Japanese try to keep cats away from the dead). They can revive the dead by jumping over him or raise skeletons and manipulate them like puppets. Cats can take revenge on their abusers. Kabuki theater has a number of plays featuring werewolves - cats that have turned into humans, usually women. They either take revenge on those who wronged them, or the souls of wives killed by their husbands move into the werewolves. But in general, the attitude towards cats in Japan is positive, and they like to be depicted in scenes where they copy the behavior of people, and even in the form of monks.
Tengu. Karasu tengu and Yamabushi tengu.
Karasu-tengu are like raven birds. They are evil creatures that kidnap children and adults, set fires in homes, and kill those who deliberately harm the forest.
In the traditional Japanese Shinto religion, there are many kami deities, six of which have been honored with the name "Okami" ("Great Kami"). Five of them, Izanagi, Izanami, Michikaeshi, Sashikuni, and the sun goddess Amaterasu, are "amatsukami" (heavenly kami), while Sarutahiko, the guardian of roads, crossroads spirit, and obstacle eliminator, is "kunitsukami" (earthly deity). He is depicted as an old man with a red face and a very long nose. It is believed that the image of Sarutahiko-Okami served as a prototype of demonic beings - tengu (literally "heavenly dog" in Japanese). The Japanese believed in the existence of two varieties of tengu: karasu tengu (tengu the raven) and yamabushi tengu.
The yamabushi tengu was a creature that looked more like a man.
Yamabushi tengu is a creature that looks more like a person. It has a red face and a very long nose, and sometimes wears wings behind its back. They called him yamabushi (the name given to hermit monks who chose the mountains for their retreat) because this tengu likes to turn into such monks. Like lichs, they can make fun of people who encounter them, and may even kill someone who harms the forest. In fairy tales, however, they are more likely to help good people.
Tengu Masks
Tengu are depicted wearing strange little hats, "tokin," and have a fan of feathers or leaves with which they can summon a strong wind. Tengu masks are very popular in Japan, used in various festivals and in performances of Kabuki theater. In tattoos, Japanese theater masks are additional elements indicating a person's character, or serve as a substitute for the full image of the being whose patronage is expected.
Kama-itachi
Japanese Kama-itachi tattoo
Kama-itachi refers to the yokai demons of Japanese folklore. In ancient times, the Japanese had a belief about evil whirlwinds called kamaetachi ("attack"). Toriyama Sekien, an artist who studied Japanese demonology and left images and descriptions of yokai demons, gave this supernatural phenomenon the appearance of three weasels with razor claws that, whirling in a whirlwind, cut the skin on the legs of people they encountered. He changed the original sound of the word to "kama-itati" ("sickle weasel"), a pun very typical of him. These creatures are depicted as spinning weasels whose paws end in sickle-shaped blades.
Nure-onna - "Water Woman."
Japanese Nure-onna tattoo
Nure-onna ("Water Woman or Wet Woman") is one of the most ancient yokai demons of Japanese folklore. It is a demon with a female head (often very beautiful) and the body of a giant snake, who lives either near a river or in the river itself. In some legends it has hands with sharp claws. She has beautiful long hair, which she likes to wash in the river, round, shiny snake-like eyes, sharp fangs, and a long, strong tongue, which she uses to suck the blood or life energy of careless travelers. To prevent the intended victim from escaping, the nure-onna is cunning. She offers the man she meets to hold her child while she washes her hair, but as soon as he takes it in his hands, the child sticks to them and bends the man to the ground with its great weight. It's hard to say what the tattoos depicting this demon symbolize, perhaps disappointment in love and comparing women to this insidious creature.
Kappa
Kappa tattoo and tattoo sketch
While the tengu can be considered a kind of lich, the Japanese variety of waterman is called a kappa ("river child"). It is a cross between a frog and a turtle, and has a beak instead of a nose. The mouthpiece has a saucer filled with water on its top, which gives it tremendous power. However, she does not harm humans, though she likes mischief. Sometimes she even helps positive characters in fairy tales and legends.
Jankui - "Demon Slayer."
Ancient engraving and tatting with the demon slayer, Jankui
Jankui or Sookie - "Demon Slayer." A ghost, according to legends, the protector of the Chinese emperor Huang-song. Jankui committed suicide and so became a Gui demon himself. However, he vowed to help people in the fight against his evil brethren. In Japan, this spirit protector has become very popular because he fights the Oni
. This spirit is always depicted wearing Chinese clothing and carrying a sword with which he defeats evil forces.
Yuki onna is a snow woman.
Japanese Yuki-onna tattoo
Yuki-onna (Japanese for "snow woman"). This is the name given in Japanese folklore to one of the varieties of yōkai - that is, spirits. She can also be called Yuki-Musume ("snow girl"), Yukijoro ("snow whore"), Yuki-omba ("snow grandma or nanny") and many other names. Yuki-onna is a very popular figure in Japanese literature, manga, and anime. Yuki-onna appears on snowy nights as a tall, beautiful woman with long black hair and blue lips. Her inhumanly pale or even translucent as ice skin makes her part of the snowy landscape. She sometimes wears a white kimono, but other legends describe her naked. Despite her amazing beauty and grace, her eyes are capable of inspiring terror. She seems to float above the snow, leaving no trace behind her, and at any moment she can turn into a cloud of mist or scatter snowflakes. Some legends say that the souls of those frozen in the snow turn into Yuki-onna. For a long time, this spirit was considered an undeniable evil, killing careless travelers, but over time Yuki-onna began to be given more human traits. In some works, she even becomes the wife of the man she loves, and only the accidental discovery of her nature causes Yuki-onna to leave her lover and her children forever, going to the Afterworld. Nevertheless, there are other perceptions of this ghost. He may look like an ugly old witch who freezes travelers, or drains them of their blood or life force.
Sketch of a tattoo depicting Yuki-onna and a tattoo where Yuki-onna is shown as an ugly old witch.
Hatsuhana is a pious ghost
Japanese Hatsuhana ghost tattoo
Hatsuhana or Hatsuna is a pious ghost. A character in the Kabuki theater play "Apparition of a Miracle in the Mountains of Hakone, or Revenge of the Legless Man" ("Hakone Reigen Izari no Adauchi"). A scene from the play is shown in which the spirit of the viciously murdered woman Hatsuhana, under the icy jets of a waterfall, prays to Buddha Amidu to heal her infirm husband so that he can avenge her murderer. Praying under a waterfall was an ancient Japanese custom that did not change even after the adoption of Buddhism. It was believed that such prayer had a special power - one proved one's determination, self-sacrifice, and great faith, and entered the chilling, whipping jets of the waterfall without fear. The image of Hatsuhana is for those who desire happiness and well-being for their loved ones and relatives, and are willing to make any sacrifice for it.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi engraving and sketch of Hatsuhana ghost tattoo
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The meanings of the Hanja tattoo are twofold: protector and avenger, wise guardian and cunning demon, all-consuming passion and bitter regret.
The mystery of the image
The history of the mask is not an easy one. Once upon a time, a girl fell in love with a reclusive monk, very passionately and without reciprocity. The monk continued his spiritual exercises and wanderings, and the girl became embittered, very angry in response to such disregard for her feelings.
Bitter resentment turned her into a powerful demon of vengeance. She caught up with the monk and scorched him with the fire of her breath. But afterwards pain and regret befell her. Since then, she has become a lonely demon who punishes insensitive and indifferent men, and sometimes you can hear her moans of lost love in the wind.
In Japanese culture, very often the characters have a double meaning. In this case, hanya serves as a reminder that it is one step from love to hate, anger can kill love, and rage brings disappointment. A long life is needed for forgiveness and understanding, compassion and the search for wisdom.
There is another version that could also be the reason for choosing the hanja tattoo. It is said that such masks were made by a master named Hanya-bo for ritual dances. It is a horned face with a toothy grin, and appears to be weeping when viewed from the side. Oddly enough, it is a feminine image, although it is difficult to call the ugly face feminine.
Sketches tattoo hanyas
Such a drawing is always remembered, because the demon with bull horns, fangs and a vicious smile up to the ears from the memory does not go away immediately. The sketch is always done in bright colors, where red and black, a little blue and yellow prevail.
The color scheme also has a semantic load in the hanja tattoo. The red color of the demon's face and body is a reflection of his aggression, passion, anger, resentment and even rage. Black is a neutral color, and pale shades are a hint of calmness, the possessive side of love, the desire to free yourself from the shackles of passion and give freedom to the loved one, even to your soul.
As a rule, the hanja tattoo clearly shows the demon's breath - this is also a sign of passion and immoderacy. There are variants of the sketch with a third eye, which emphasizes the otherworldly essence of the creature. The word "hania" means "wisdom," and the third eye is a hint of clairvoyance, a demonic origin. The demon sees farther than others, more and deeper.
Important meanings carry additional elements of the tattoo hanyas - these are sakura, bamboo, bells, snakes or dragons. They can shade the good sides of the protector, speak of the presence of beauty and fragility even in the world of demons.
Styles and colors
The sketch with the image of the mask of Chania is usually preferred by strong and purposeful natures. The image of the demonic creature makes a person rise above their weaknesses, avoid dejection and not feel a sense of despair. The Chania mask tattoo is always printed in very bright colors.
More often than not, the tattoo is complemented with objects:
- Sakura flowers;
- reptile;
- a bell.
The saturation of color in the drawing expresses the degree of anger and frustration:
| Predominantly scarlet. | Means all-consuming passion and intense resentment. |
| The paler shades of red | Emblematic of quiet love and a passionate desire to appropriate the object of his desires and to hide it from others. |
Currently, the art of tattooing is gaining momentum, thanks to this there are many different styles, the choice of which should make the customer.
The sketch of a tattoo mask of Chania is usually applied in styles:
| Style | Feature |
| Realism | A certain number of colors, colors and shades of light are used. Thanks to this you get a 3D effect and the picture looks as realistic as possible. |
| Oldschool | Old skool refers to one of the most popular styles of tattoos. The image supplemented with extraneous elements make the drawing brighter and more interesting. The style is most popular among young people or men in Western countries. |
| Dotwork | A black and white sketch made rather discreetly. It involves dotting, thanks to which an original result is obtained. Such tattoos are performed exclusively in black and white and mostly consist of the applied dark lines and dots. |
| Minimalism | The application of the image by means of simple lines, implying the absolute absence of small details. Such drawings are usually placed on small parts of the body. |
| Watercolor | This is a combination of two absolutely opposite styles. With such a combination, it is possible to create bright and eye-catching drawings that do not have clear contours. Such sketches can be applied to absolutely any part of the body. |
| Japan | Quite often fans of the Eastern theme use a combination of a pencil sketch with a brightly detailed Japanese pattern. Such a combination adds originality to the image and looks quite interesting. |
Also, the method of application is used:
- Celtic;
- Slavic;
- Greco-Roman;
- graphic.
The symbolism of the hanja tattoo
Who chooses intimidating drawings?
- It is necessary to possess considerable courage to put on a tattoo hanya - it is definitely purposeful and fearless nature. At the same time in the foreground - not the evil essence of the creature, the main thing - to be free from weakness on the way to the conceived. Such people are not discouraged, do not despair because of failure.
- Since demons often drag sinners into hell and guard the gates, their portraits are put on their bodies to protect themselves from such a fate. A person wants to borrow the powers of a demonic being, especially the supernatural ones - incredible strength, intelligence, the ability to be reborn.
- A hanja tattoo is a powerful amulet against death and injury, a protection against death in battle. Hanja protects both body and soul, also helps against attacks of jealousy, curbs feelings. The demon reminds of the consequences of mistakes and bad actions
- Perhaps the person wants to deal with his passions, his love and his inner aggression. Or perhaps he wants to cope with insecurity and self-doubt.
- It is necessary to understand that the intimidating appearance in this case is not a method of attack, but the weaknesses of the person, with whom the struggle is waged. The gloomy creature serves as a reminder of the omnipotence of feelings and the inferior nature, which is important to overcome.
Look at a series of finished works in the photo and video, consult the salon about the sketch. A good master will answer all questions and apply a quality mask in the right context.
Masks of samurai
More often depict warriors, less often perform tattoos of Japanese samurai masks. They look intimidating, carefully detailed to enhance the effect. The mask usually has thick, furrowed brows and sharp, protruding teeth.
The tattoo signifies stealth, a willingness to go undercover, but to go all the way to victory. The image represents a warrior who is used to hiding emotions and feelings. It's an image of strength, loyalty, clarity, courage.
Tattoos with the masks of Japanese samurai are chosen by men, they are applied to the back. Warriors did not demonstrate strength unnecessarily. On the back, the tattoo is sufficiently hidden from view.
Large drawings are performed on the hip, abdomen, shoulder. Widely used black and white and black and gray scale. The inclusions of red indicate courage and readiness for combat, blue and yellow emphasize a person's restraint and calmness.
Men choose tattoos with masks of samurai to show their reverence for the foundations of life of warriors. Such an image on a girl's body signifies a willingness to fight for the family, as well as intelligence and strength.
Tattoo hanja is one of the most sought-after motifs among fans of Asian culture. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the Japanese mask displays the ability to resist evil forces and inner energy. In this article we will consider interesting sketches of frightening creatures, as well as break down the detailed meaning of the demon tattoo for guys and girls.
