Page 127 - mar 21 Japanese and korean art Bonhams

2273 2274

2273
A RARE LACQUERED IRON MENPO (FACE MASK)
Edo period (1615-1868), 18th century
Forged in iron with deep wrinkles on the cheeks and an open
mouth, the removable bulbous nose plate applied with a stiff bristle
mustache, the teeth lacquered gold, a small chin tuft under the lower
lip, the exterior surface covered in flesh-colored lacquer, the interior
lacquered red, fitted with a four-lame yodarekake laced in blue

US$2,500 - 3,500
The flesh-colored lacquer finish on this menpo, and probably the
armor that accompanied it, was intended to create the illusion
of a warrior entering battle wearing no armor at all. The intended
psychological effect was to create for the wearer an outward
appearance of fearlessness. It also illustrates the somewhat eccentric
tastes among the warrior class of the mid-Edo period.

2274
AN IRON MENPO (FACE MASK)
Edo period (1615-1868), 18th century
The russet-iron mask bearing a fierce expression with wrinkles on the
cheeks and around the mouth, the teeth teeth silvered, fitted with a
five-lame yodarekake laced in blue
US$2,500 - 3,500
2275
A SHINGEN JINGASA
Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century
Constructed with a central ridge running the length of the helmet and
with a flaring rim turning up at the front, lacquered overall in black
with a family crest of omodaka (water plantain) in gold hiramaki-e, a
decorative ring applied to the rear with a silk braid, the rim fundame
and the underside red lacquer decorated with gold foil, with the
original straps and interior padding and applied eyelets possibly for
holding a hood
12in (30.5cm) wide

US$2,500 - 3,500
The origins of this style of jingasa are said to trace back to Takeda 2275
Shingen (1521-1573), who it is believed favored this shape.
FINE JAPANESE AND KOREAN ART | 125