This Hannya mask with its horns and sharp fang is probably the best known of all masks. The mask expresses the fury of a woman turned demon through jealousy and anger and who revenges by attacking.
Noh is a form of Japanese theater involving music, dance, and drama originating in the 14th century, 200 years before Kabuki.
One key element of Noh are the masks which the actor wears. They tell the audience what kind of character is being portrayed. Frequently used masks represent demons and spirits, as well as women and men of various ages. The masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. Their properties allows skilled actors to induce a variety of expressions with changes in head angles.