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Description
The hannya mask is a mask
representing a female serpent-demon filled
with malicious jealousy and hatred. Worn
by women betrayed or spurned by their
lovers who turn into serpent
demons.
This is the painting from
my inspiration in Genji story, which is
widely acknowledged as the world's first
novel, written by a court lady in Heian
Japan (795-1192 AD). Genji, a man of
passionate impulses and a lover of beauty,
the favorite son of the Emperor, though
his position at court is not entirely
stable. "Aoi no Ue" is the Genji's first
principal wife, married to him when he is
12 and she is four years older. Not
surprisingly, she finds him childish, and
their relations remain uncomfortable until
her death. her death was brought by an
evil spirit of Lady Rokujo who is the
Widow of the crown prince Prince Zembo and
a longtime mistress of Genji.
I was inspired with so
strong woman's emotion and love that Lady
Rokujo held in her as to change her into
evil spirit to attach her rival, which is
represented by "Hannya mask" in Noh
performance. i wanted to express the naked
nature of women that is held in our
depth.
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