"Face Protection Called Menpō - Japan - Edo Period (1603-1868)"
FACE PROTECTION called MenpōJapan, Edo period (1603-1868)
Iron, pigment and case
H. 18 ; L 19 cm
Mempo or bipartite iron menpō of the me no shita men type, i.e. it covers the chin, the nose up to the cheekbones following the lower contour of the eyes. The second, removable part protects the nose and the red-pigmented upper lip, topped with a light horsehair moustache.
The chin part has an ase nagashi no ana (a circular hole) that allowed ventilation and the evacuation of liquids such as sweat. The inside of the half-mask is coated with red pigments to prevent any irritation to the samurai's skin.
It also has a four-bladed gorgerin woven from blue cloth.
Mempo were an integral part of Japanese samurai armour.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref : 5502
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