Ryubu Menpo

Medium: Iron, gold, leather, lacquer, silk, horse hair

School: Myôchin
Signed: Nobuie

Provenance: Private collection Japan / Sotherbys London May 2022 / Asian Art in London / Private collection UK

The menpo, or facial armour, was rarely used in actual combat; instead, it served primarily as a decorative element, enhancing the visual impact of a samurai’s armour when displayed. Samurai who could afford such ornate pieces often commissioned custom designs that reflected their personal taste and status.

This is a rare example of a Ryûbu style menpo dating from the Momoyama period. Signed in gold and bearing the Kao of Myôchin Nobuie. One outstanding feature is that the mimi (ears) are hinged.

Tetsu kuro urushi-nuri Ryûbu Menpo – Tetsu kuro urushi hon-kozane Tare – Ni-dan Kebiki odoshi.

An iron mask lacquered in black gloss urushi with an iron black lacquered throat guard made from hon-kozane and laced in the kebiki odoshi style.

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