Menreiki - [Yokai | Noh mask]

Menreiki - (面霊気) - [Yokai | Noh mask] - "Spirit-Masks"

• About this yokai:  Sixty Six Ancient Noh Masks that where said to be brought to life as they where perhaps "enchanted the talent of the performer who first wore them."  These masks, once used in outstanding performances, gained a soul themselves: Either from the essence of the performers raw talent, or perhaps through the following decades of neglect... It has been said that when Noh masks are left alone; they may move at night, if more than 4 are gathered they might start talking.. Its important to take good care of such treasures!

• History: This yokai was earliest catalogued & illustrated in Toriyama Sekien's Gazu hyakki yagyo [1776-1784] bestiary among other "Tsukumogami" [Haunted Antiques] in Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro - [1784] - The entry goes as follows:

"In the era of Prince Shotoku, many masks where created for Hana-no-Kawakatsu. Perhaps the reason the masks look so alive is because Kawakatsus performance brought them to life. So I dreamed. - [Japandemonium 2017]

– Here, Toriyama seems to be referencing an old legend from the 14th century by famous playright Zeami, which takes place in ancient japan; the story claims that 'during a time of great disturbances,' the young Prince Shotoku (572-622) created 66 masks & gave them to his minister; Hana-No-Kawakatsu.He ordered him to write performances to accompany each mask; the prince even carved a demon mask for him with his own two hands. Kawakatsu's performances apparently brought peace to the capital and he would become known as the founder of 'Sarugaku' ("Monkey Music" which was the precursor & foundation of Noh theatre and Kyogen performances!) – The Taiko drum in the back would no doubt be a popular instrument used in accompaniment to such performances. - 

Noh was at the peak of its popularity during the Mid-Edo period (which is when this was drawn.) [For a longer explanation about Noh, check out my mask section.] 

Each of the masks featured in Toriyama's entry can be Identified as specific Noh masks! 

Starting from the ones along the floor, from Right to Left; they appear to be: 

• O-Beshimi (Clenched mouth tengu,) 
  
• Buaku (A Comedic Demon.) 
• x2 Onnamen (Girl masks.) 
• Jyo-kei (Old-man) - (The "leader" mask up top with the animated tassels.)

Notably: Each of these masks seem to be slightly 'exaggerated to be more life-like' with visible veins, wrinkles and missing teeth that aren't typically present on the actual masks. – Which, as the entry says: "...Perhaps the reason the masks look so alive is because Kawakatsu's performance brought them to life..." - [although the legend above technically describes Gigaku masks [a precursor to Noh] Gigaku masks are in fact, so old the art form itself was lost to time! (I suppose it's implying that Kawakatsus talents where so powerful that his talents still inhabits modern masks!)] 

[incidentally; I've also seen a few modern interpretations of Menreiki drawn instead as a Okina-style mask. (Representing an Old man/harvest deity. The two masks would sometimes be used interchangeably in theatre; however Okina is also specifically for shinto harvest dances & rituals.) - It does fit this entry quite well, as it is in-fact an older style Gigaku mask. - However I decided to go with the Jyo-kei style as it felt 'better' to draw this yokai with the same noh masks which Toriyama drew. – It seems in modern times its also very popular to draw a Hannya mask or an Otafuku as the 'lead menreiki' as well. ]

According to famous folklorist, Shigeru Mizuki's "Encyclopedia of Yokai" [1981-1987] - "These old masks are said to start moving by themselves at night... It is said that if four of them face each other, they will begin to talk to each other." - Spooky!

[image from Shigeru Mizukis GeGeGe/Yokai card game 1999.] 

...I'd suppose its fair to say that real Noh masks tend to give off the same 'Eerie vibes' as such things as mannequins, dolls and other 'man faced objects' that rest in the Uncanny valley.'  - Even In Japanese slang, a 'blank face' devoid of expression is often described as “noh-mask like." - Perhaps for that reason, in modern horror people have had a tendency to write them in as cursed or possessed objects. -

Today: there are many ghost and horror stories about literal 'Haunted or Cursed' Noh masks, though most of these are found online in both English & Japanese; Creepy pastas, Scary stories & Urban Legends passed around the web. – (For a couple fun examples, Check sites like Youtube and Kowabana.) – (Though, generally most of these are quite modern stories with little truth or 'old folklore' behind them (aside from the masks themselves) so maybe take those with a pinch of salt?) 

Menreiki is likely one of the earliest examples you'd find towards a 'Haunted Noh Mask'. - (If there's any older/historic, relevant Japanese legends i might have missed; please let me know!)

Now, Personally, I'd like to end this by saying; I think Noh masks & theatre are very fascinating and with a dash of proper context, they stop being necessarily 'eerie' and become more elegant & cool pieces of art than anything. - [I'd Highly recommend checking out Hiromitsu's channel who still creates noh masks by hand & even shows off his carving process!]

• [For more on Noh from me; Please also check out my Did you noh? - Mask sticker collection!] 

• Some Similar Yokai: Music room ghosts, Painting ghosts.\

• [Art sticker by SamKalensky (Yo, thats me!) part of my did you noh? and yokai collections, follow and support for many more!] •