A fine somen [full face mask] | Edo period, 17th century

The Property of a European Collector

A fine somen [full face mask] 

Edo period, 17^th century 

the richly patinated russet iron mask well forged with deep wrinkles, furrowed brow and open mouth, the upper lip slightly protruding, otayori no kugi [pegs under the chin to stop the chin cord sliding forward], silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior 

21 cm., 8¼ in. long