Samurai Face Guard

Russet iron samurai half-mask (tetsu sabiji 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. L-shaped hooks (ori kugi) protrude from each cheek to help fasten the helmet cord. The nose piece (hana no ita) is no longer present but there are attachment points as evidence that it once existed. 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 four lame throat guard (tare) is attached to the mask beneath the chin. Each lame is made of a single iron plate (ita-mono) coated with black lacquer and connects to the next lame with green silk lacing in a modified sugake-odoshi style. The top of each lame is cut to form a graceful, wavy design. The bottom lame is covered with gold leaf over a rippled texture (tataki nuri) finish. The bottom lame also showcases a row of tweed lacing above a bottom row of orange lacing in a cross knot pattern. Attached to helmet, CG2016-1-58.1.