Japanese Hannya Mask Wall Decor, Handmade Ceramic

Sold by an authorized seller from Japan's kawara industry — and a craftsman myself.

This Japanese Hannya mask is a wall-mounted piece in the onigawara tradition, made to be hung on the wall and displayed. Two long horns sweep upward from a smooth, sculpted brow. Beneath it, the sorrowful eyes, defined cheeks and open mouth with bared fangs give the face its dramatic character. The surface is a muted, matte grey with a subtle stone-like texture. Its tone ranges from deep charcoal to soft silver depending on the lighting.

Onigawara are the ornamental fired-clay pieces set at the ends of roof ridges on Japanese temples, castles and traditional houses. They belong to a long protective tradition in which fearsome faces were placed high above the building, watching over those who lived and worshipped below. The oni became one of the most recognisable motifs of this tradition, and the horned Hannya face is also well known from Noh theatre masks.

Traditionally, the onigawara is regarded as a talisman, said to ward off evil and misfortune and to watch over the household. These are matters of belief and custom. This wall mask carries that spirit into the interior, as a quiet guardian presence on the wall.

This piece belongs to a Japanese traditional craft form. It is handmade in Japan of kawara, traditional Japanese fired clay. As shown in the photos, a metal loop at the top holds a hanging wire. It suits a study, entrance hall, living room wall or collector's display, and works equally well as a considered gift for admirers of Japanese art. No stand is included.

• Type: Wall-mounted hanging mask, onigawara style
• Motif: Horned Hannya face
• Material: Ceramic (kawara, traditional Japanese fired clay)
• Origin: Handmade in Japan
• Colour: Matte grey, from charcoal to silver depending on light
• Dimensions: Height 27 cm, width 24 cm, depth 13 cm
• Weight: 2.5 kg
• Hanging: Metal loop with hanging wire at the top (as pictured)

About the seller: I am a craftsman in the kawara (Japanese traditional ceramics) trade myself. We are an authorized seller launched by like-minded companies within Japan's kawara industry, and we handle a wide range of kawara and onigawara from across the country. Every item is carefully inspected and packed in Japan and shipped directly to you.