A mempo [face mask] | Edo period, 18th century

The Property of a European Collector

A mempo [face mask] 

Edo period, 18^th century 

the unusual burgundy lacquered ressei mempo [face mask with fierce expression] forged with high cheek bones, flared nostrils and open mouth, detachable nose plate, horse hair moustache and chin tuft, silver lacquer teeth, four-tiered lacquered leather yodaregake [throat protector] with kebiki odoshi [close-spaced lacing] in dark blue braid, the illustrated fitted black metal stand is sold with this lot 

18 cm., 7 in. wide