The menpo is the face mask of samurai armor, designed to protect the warrior’s face during battle while also intimidating opponents with its menacing expression and concealing the warrior’s emotions, which an opponent might otherwise exploit against him. It is often displayed on its own, as part of a full suit of armor, or in combination with a kabuto helmet. Like all other components of the armor, it often possesses high artistic value.
Me no shita bō face mask made by the famous Iwai armorer group , circa 1600
View detailMempo face mask, Iwai school, Edo period (1603 - 1868)
View detailMempo face mask in the me no shita bō style, Edo period (1603 - 1868)
View detailMenpo face mask in the me no shita bo style in the "artificially cultivated rust" sabiji surface
View detailMenpo face mask in the me no shita bo style in the "artificially cultivated rust" sabiji
View detailMenpo Ressei armor face mask in the style of me no shita bo, Edo period (1603 - 1868)
View detailMempo face mask in the me no shita bō style, Edo period (1603 - 1868)
View detailMempo face mask in the me no shita bō style, Edo period (1603 - 1868) In the sabiji style
View detail
Sold
Stories, Discoveries, and the Life of the Gallery