龍とは古代中国において、この世の全ての動物の長だと考えられた瑞獣の一柱である。天地を行き交い、水を蓄え雨を降らせる能力を持つとされ、王権の象徴としても用いられた。日本に伝来した際、王室との繋がりは失われ、水を統べる神もしくはその使いとしての性格が強く語られるようになり、農耕民族である我々にとって富と恵みをもたらす神性となった。また、人智を超えた自然の猛威、その厳しさの体現でもある。
In ancient China, the dragon was one of the most auspicious beasts that was thought to be the principle being in the animal kingdom. It is said to have the ability to travel between heaven and earth, to store water and make it rain, and was also used as a symbol of kingship. When it was introduced to Japan, it lost its connection with the royal family, but its association with being the god of water is still strongly reflected in the Japanese interpretation of its character and thought to bring wealth and blessings to agrarian people. Also the dragon is commonly known as the embodiment of fierceness and the severity of nature.
ここでは般若面と組み合わせた正面龍として描かれているが、その胴体や脚はあえて背中に収めず、脇腹まで回り込ませた型破りで大胆な構図としている。
This back-piece depicts a frontal dragon combined with a Hannya mask. Its body and legs are not only placed on the back but also wrapped around the flanks of both sides of the body in this unconventional and bold composition.
また、般若面とは嫉妬や恨みを募らせ鬼女となった女を表す能面である。元来、般若とは仏教用語で“智慧”を意味したが、この面相との関連は薄い。何故、この鬼女の面が般若と呼ばれるようになったかは諸説あるが定かではない。その憤怒の表情から魔を祓う力があるとも考えられている。
The Hannya mask is a Noh mask that represents a woman who has become a demoness due to jealousy and resentment. Originally the word of “Hannya” was a Buddist term meaning “wisdom”, but the original term has very little to do with this daunting mask. There’re several theories as to why this demoness mask was called Hannya, but it’s not known for certain. It is thought that the masks angry and frightening expression has the power to exorcise evil.
