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search 18th century Netsuke mask of Hannya The moth genus Hannya
is now considered a junior synonym of Habrosyne.  The Hannya
(般若) mask is a mask used in Noh theater, representing a jealous
female demon or serpent. It possesses two sharp bull-like horns,
metallic eyes, and a leering mouth.[1]  Origin of the name[edit]
The name hannya (般若) is a Sino-Japanese word for prajna or
wisdom. One tradition states that this name was given to this
mask because it was the name of an artist monk Hannya-bō (般若坊)
who is said to have perfected its creation.[2][3] Another
explanation is that Perfection of Wisdom sutras and their
variations were considered to be particularly effective against
female demons.[citation needed] An alternate explanation is that
the artist would need a great deal of wisdom in order to create
this mask.[4]    The Hannya mask is said to be demonic and
dangerous but also sorrowful and tormented, displaying the
complexity of human emotions. Whe