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

The Property of a European Collector

A mempo [face mask]

Edo period, 18^th century

the russet iron ressei-mempo [face mask with fierce expression] forged with deep wrinkles, flared nostrils and open mouth, detachable nose plate, horse bristle moustache, red lacquer interior, four-tiered black lacquer yodaregake [throat protector] with close-spaced lacing in green braid

17 cm., 6½ in. wide