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

The Property of a European Collector

A mempo [face mask] 

Edo period, 17^th century 

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

20.5 cm., 8⅛ in. wide