I would be really surprised if the markings were animalistic. I can't think of any Asian mask/art that uses marks as animal-indication. Usually it's hair, dress, maybe colors used, and the ubiquitous cat-ears if we're talking about modern portrayals. I'm not saying it couldn't, but the major theme that I can tell is that of drawing on all sorts of Japanese folklore/etc, and when there's an animal-element is when you get masks like the one in the 4th arc.
Given all the other implications, I'm pretty certain by now that it's a riff on the Buddha's eyes, especially with all the strong hints of Shingon Buddhism in the visuals. On the other hand, what I'd really like is a full artbook from the character designer (also the head animation director and one of the conceptual developers!) to explain how & where & why each element came into the picture. WAH.
no subject
Date: 3 Dec 2008 05:49 am (UTC)Given all the other implications, I'm pretty certain by now that it's a riff on the Buddha's eyes, especially with all the strong hints of Shingon Buddhism in the visuals. On the other hand, what I'd really like is a full artbook from the character designer (also the head animation director and one of the conceptual developers!) to explain how & where & why each element came into the picture. WAH.