Samurai Face Guard

Russet iron samurai half-mask (tetsu sabiji ressei menpo). The facial wrinkles (shiwa) are simulated in the metal to create a fierce and aggressive facial expression. Posts (odome) protrude from either side of the chin to help fasten the helmet cord. A separate nose piece (hana no ita) is attached and showcases a bushy, white mustache (kuchi hige). 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 blue silk cord (kake o) is attached to both cheeks and would tie behind the head when the mask was worn. A three lame throat guard (tare) is attached to the mask beneath the chin. Each lame is made of a single iron plate (ita-mono) wrapped in leather and painted red. The bottom lame is painted gold. Lames are connected to one another with tweed lacing in the sugake-odoshi style.