Japanese Masks by Ichibay

Beautiful Han’nya masks, masks of the Nō Theatre, masks of demons and wise old men, of warriors and samurais, of geishas and of avenging spirits. Masks of spirits acting as talismans against bad luck and masks of daruma for good luck.

Hundreds of drawings of masks, funny and ironic, powerful and charismatic, images of the same mask reflected in multiple facets, as a study seen from every angle.

Each of them has its own personal story in the world of traditional Japanese tattooing. Geishas become similar to cameos, all their essence is contained in the face, in the gaze and in the softness of the waves of their hair.

Daruma dolls, also called dharma dolls, are Japanese votive images without legs or arms, representing Bodhidharma, the founder and first patriarch of Zen.

Daruma, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Daruma and Han’nya masks, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Oni, mythological creatures of Japanese folklore, are depicted as demons or evil spirits, with horns, fiery eyes, fangs and smoke coming out of large nostrils.

Hannya is one of the most famous masks of Japanese Nō Theatre, it represents a female demon and is characterized by an expression full of jealousy and anger.

Han’nya, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Han’nya, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Han’nya, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Kitsune is a traditional Japanese mask representing a fox. In Japanese mythology and tradition, the Kitsune fox is considered a magical and legendary being, often associated with supernatural powers and intelligence.

Tengu are imaginary beings belonging to Japanese mythology who live in mountains and forests. They are generally represented as bird-men, equipped with a long prominent nose or even a beak.

Tengu mask, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Karasu-Tengu-mask, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

In the art book Lines and Drawing the masks are designed by Ichibay with traditional colours or with a more New School accent in large formats, personalized by the color of black and red, yellow in the more traditional ones. Interpreted in a more extravagant way, with bright and more original color combinations.

In the Travel Tool Book the masks are drawn in only black lines to be customized to the readers’ taste. A large collection which together with the other tattoo themes featured in the book, make this publication a must have for all those looking for inspiration focused on the world of Japanese tattooing.

Masks, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY

Tengu masks, from the book Liones and Drawings by ICHIBAY