Japanese Edo Period Steel Samurai Mask

East Asia, Japan, late Edo Period, ca. 1860s. A carbon steel samurai mask or face guard known as a Happuri as it protected the forehead and the cheeks. The form is open around the eyes and mouth and further adorned with two curvy attachments to the cheeks. Some have called this form a Saru mask as it is shaped like a "monkey face" and saru means monkey. A wonderful form with nail-like attachments to the cheekpieces most likely for embellishing with ornaments or securing to the wearer. Size: 8" L x 7.75" W (20.3 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in January 2008; ex-private Japanese collection

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#152083 Dimensions: Condition Report: The metal has developed a warm age patina and the form is well preserved. Black lacquer-like substance on verso shows wear and loss.