//WIP MERCH, NEW DESIGN SNEAK PEEK (HANNYA 般若)//

 In this post, I'll be giving y'all a sneak peek at an upcoming merch design. In collaboration with my talented friend TeaKip (@teakip on IG), we'll be continuing our spins on Asian pop culture symbols, this time using the classic "Hannya" iconography. The Hannya is a decorative or protective wooden facial mask with its history in Japan being tied to "Noh" theatre and Samurai. 

The name itself means "wisdom" due to the high level of skill a craftsman would need to make one. Hannya's are an important Japanese cultural symbol as their use is also common in Shinto kagura dances, which are done to entertain the gods and purify one's soul. The Hannya is a very recognizable mask due its demonic appearance and ability to portray complex human emotions from different angles. Thus, the Hannya has become ubiquitous in both Eastern and Western culture, similarly to our last choice of icon, the "Lucky Cat" or "Maneki-Neko". 

This run of shirts will also come with a hoodie drop of the "Lucky Cat" design and potentially hats with the "Yen Won Industries" stamp. We'll be working in collaboration with the Sacramento based "GTB" print shop (gotobedclothing) to get these items printed and designed, so stay tuned! Check out the design sneak peek below and follow me @yenwon_sf on Instagram to cop one of the last few Lucky Cat shirts and be ready for the upcoming "BANCHAN" EP and merch drop!

-Yen 

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yenwon_sf/

Teakip: https://www.instagram.com/teakip/

GTB Clothing: https://www.instagram.com/gotobedclothing/

Art by: @teakip, stay tuned for the drop!