Samurai Face Guard

Russet iron samurai half-mask (tetsu sabiji ressei menpo). Facial wrinkles (shiwa) are simulated in the metal to create a fierce and aggressive facial expression. The mouth is open with lips lacquered red and bearing teeth painted black and edged with gold. The upper lip flares outward as if the mask were shouting. L-shaped hooks (ori kugi) protrude from each cheek to help fasten the helmet cord. A separate nose piece (hana no ita) is attached and showcases a short mustache (kuchi hige) which has thinned in the center. Decorative plates are present where the ears would be, each with six holes. A drainage hole (ase nagashi no ana) for perspiration is located on the underside of the chin. The interior of the mask is painted with red lacquer. A dark brown silk cord (kake o) is attached to both cheeks and would tie behind the head when the mask was worn. A four lame throat guard (tare) is attached to the mask beneath the chin. Each iron lame is coated with black lacquer formed into "false scales" (kiritsuke kozane) to give the appearance of individual scales. Lames are connected to one another with brown lacing in the kebiki-odoshi style. The bottom lame showcases a row of tweed lacing above two bottom rows of burgundy lacing in a cross knot pattern.