^Lot 1127 Japanese Samurai Mempo

Metal, lacquer. Japan. Mempo is a general term for these mask-like face guards of warriors –The mouth is open, screaming to show the teeth rows, jutting chin and signalizing determination. The neck protection (Suga)composed of three plates (Lames) is decorated with silk cords and the parts are thus also interconnected and movable. Suspended by closely spaced blue laces. Traditional exterior black, interior red lacquering. Has protruding Ase-Hagashi-No-Ana in chin. (perspiration dripping hole), two pegs in the form of bamboo stems are located on the sides of the chin. Their function is to help in the securing of the helmet tying cord. No nose piece, one peg for this is broken. Lacquer has chips & cracks. Believe 18th Century.