작품 상세

A Menpo Facial Guard, Japan Edo Period (1603–1868). A rare wooden menpō, traditionally worn with a kabuto (samurai helmet) as part of the full face armour set known as mengu. This piece covers the lower face, the cheeks, chin, and sometimes nose, and is designed to both protect and intimidate. The carved wood construction, finished with dark lacquer, suggests ceremonial or light-duty use, as most battle-ready menpō were made from iron or leather. The craftsmanship captures the fierce expression common in samurai armour design, often intended to invoke fear or reflect the warrior's inner strength. Remnants of the original silk cord remains which would have secured the menpō to the helmet. L140 W135 D95mm