Japanese Edo Lacquered Iron Samurai Chin Guard - Hanpo

East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A wonderful example of a forged-iron face mask (menpo) in the half-mask style (hanpo) that covers the front of the neck as well as the cheeks, mandible, and chin. The cheek panels each bear a downward-pointing suspension hook meant to fit within perforations of the upper face protector of a samurai warrior's helmet ensemble. This example features three karuta or kozan-do (card-like or plated) neck panels connected via several blue-dyed cord knots as well as a broad upper face portion. Black lacquer (urushi) covers the neck panels and front of the face mask, and the interior of the face mask is decorated with bright red lacquer. Size: 6.25" W x 7.625" H (15.9 cm x 19.4 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in October 2007; ex-private Tokyo, Japan collection

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#152075 Dimensions: Condition Report: Chipping to some lacquered areas of chin and neck panels, with slight bending to overall forms of some neck panels, otherwise intact and very good. Nice traces of original black and red lacquer throughout.