Japanese Obidome Accessory , Noh Hannya Mask
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Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1920: Item # 97940
Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1920: Item # 97940
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Finely hand carved Japanese Obidome in the shape of a Hannya Noh mask with horns and shiny metal eyes. A Hannya mask in Noh represents a mad woman who turns into a demon out of jealousy. She is vicious and haunts the “other woman” to death. The term, 'Hannya' is used today by a husband who happens to come home late without good enough excuses. He could say (to his buddy) that his wife looked like a Hannya mask when she greeted him at the door.
Obidome is an accent piece used on the front area of an obi sash. It will be attached on obijime (obi cord) which is used to hold an obi sash together. You can think of it as a decorative belt buckle without its function as a buckle. This is one of few jewelry worn by Japanese women when they are formally dressed in kimonos. No rings, earings or necklaces are permitted. This is an obidome made for an old style hand-woven silk obi cord which is skinnier and thinner than what is used today. This can be used in different ways as a choker necklace, belt, etc. Obi cord included. The dimensions of Hannya mask: 2 inches x 1 inches
