Description
A fine antique Edo period Japanese Samurai Menpo Armor. This Samurai face armor would make an important addition to any collection.
This russet lacquer armor has a mustache, and cherry blossom chin vent. The inside of the mask is in red lacquer.
Below is a brief description of the Samurai menpo (as cited from Wikipedia).
“Men-yoroi (面鎧), also called menpō (面頬) or mengu (面具),[1][2][3] are various types of facial armour that were worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The men-yoroi, which covered all or part of the face, provided a way to secure the top-heavy kabuto (helmet). The Shinobi-no-o (chin cord) of the kabuto would be tied under the chin.[4] Small hooks called ori-kugi or posts called odome located on various places would help secure the chin cord. The men-yoroi was constructed from iron, leather, or a combination of both. It had a lacquered or rusted type of finish and included a variety of facial details, such as a moustache, fierce teeth and a detachable nose.[5][6] With the exception of the happuri, a men-yoroi had a small hole underneath the chin for sweat drainage.”
CONDITION:
This antique Japanese Samurai Menpo armor is in exceptional condition. The silk lacing is in excellent condition. This is a fine piece.
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