Two mempo [face masks] | Edo period, 18th - 19th century

The Charlier and Cortina Collection of Exotic Samurai Helmets and Armour

Two mempo [face masks]

Edo period, 18^th - 19^th century 

the first, a black lacquered iron face mask with fierce expression (ressei mempo), formed in one piece with deeply wrinkled face and open mouth, yak hair moustache and beard, gold lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior, three-tiered throat protector with close-spaced lacing (kebiki odoshi) in dark blue braid; the second, a simulated russet iron (sabiji-nuri) lacquered face mask, detachable elongated nose plate, horse hair moustache and chin tuft, sabiji-nuri lacquer teeth, sabiji-nuri interior, two tiered throat protector with close-spaced lacing (kebiki odoshi) in dark blue braid, both accompanied with a black metal stand as illustrated

20.5 cm., 8⅛ in. wide (the first)

19 cm., 7½ in. wide (the second)