Facial Protection Called Menpō - Japan, Edo Period - 18th Century

Facial Protection Called Menpō 
Japan, Edo period, 18th century 
Wrought iron and lacquer
12.5 cm high, 16 cm long

Three-part lacquered iron mempo or menpō of the me no shita men type, i.e. it covers the chin area, from the nose to the cheekbones below the eyes. The latter has a jagged cut edge - it presents the most important part of the piece. The second protects the nose and mouth: it is removable and features small teeth covered in yellow and red pigments for the upper lip. A strip of skin in its hollow suggests that this menpō once had a horsehair moustache. The third part protects the chin, with a circular hole in the centre and a short tongue pierced along its entire length. 
The interior is entirely red lacquered. 

Mempo were an integral part of Japanese samurai armour.
 
Reference : 4537

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON