Zemanek-Münster

Samurai full-faced mask "taisho somen", Edo period (1603-1868)

Japan
sold EUR 2,200
Provenance
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany (2013)
Size
H: 21 cm
H: 8.3 inch

Description

iron, base

This mask consists of two large plates. If the upper one was removed, the lower one could be worn as a half mask (“menpõ”). Nose guard and ear covers, as well as both rows of teeth are made of separate plates.

A hole under the chin (“asenagashi no ana”) served to allow sweat to drain off.


Comparing literature

Barbier-Mueller, J. Gabriel & Roger Diederen (ed.), Samurai, Pracht des japanischen Rittertums, München 2019, p. 218, ill. 52

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