A mempo [face mask] | Edo period, 17th century

The Property of a European Collector

A mempo [face mask]

Edo period, 17^th century 

the sabiji-nuri [simulated russet iron] lacquered iron ressei mempo [face mask with fierce expression] forged with deep wrinkles, flared nostrils and open mouth, detachable nose plate, wild boar bristle moustache and chin tuft, red-lacquer interior, four-tiered black lacquer yodaregake [throat protector] with kebiki odoshi [close-spaced lacing] in dark blue braid, the illustrated fitted black metal stand is sold with this lot 

16 cm., 6⅜ in. wide