ERA: Meiji/Taisho Period

DIMENSIONS: H 13.25in X W 11.25in. X D 5.5in.

MEDIUM: Iron, Silk

SOURCED: Chiba. Japan

"Mengu (men-gu) or Mempo (men-yoroi), is the term for various types of facial armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.

Men-yoroi were facial armour which covered all or part of the face and provided a way to secure the top-heavy kabuto (helmet). The Shinobi-no-o (chin cord) of the kabuto would be tied under the chin of the men-yoroi. There were small hooks called ori-kugi or posts called odome located on various places to help secure the kabuto's chin cord. Men-yoroi may be constructed from iron or leather, or a combination of both.

They may have a lacquered or rusted type of finish and can include a variety of facial details, such as moustaches, fierce teeth and a detachable nose. Most men-yoroi with the exception of the happuri had a small hole underneath the chin for sweat drainage." Source: wiki

Please Note that all items are in original antique and vintage condition, they have been preserved at their found state and have purposefully not been restored to maintain their own unique and personal history. We believe that each imperfection tells a story.- L'uomo Curioso