Samurai Face Guard

Brown-lacquered iron samurai half-mask (tetsu cha urushi nuri ressei menpo). Facial wrinkles (shiwa) are simulated in the metal to create a fierce and aggressive facial expression. The mouth is open with lips lacquered red and bearing teeth painted silver and edged with gold. The upper lip flares outward as if the mask were shouting. L-shaped hooks (ori kugi) protrude from each cheek to help fasten the helmet cord. A separate nose piece (hana no ita) is attached and showcases a short, dense mustache (kuchi hige). A short beard (ago hige) is also present beneath the lower lip. Decorative plates are present where the ears would be, each with six holes. The interior of the mask is painted with red lacquer. A blue silk cord (kake o) is attached to one cheek and would tie behind the head when the mask was worn. A four lame throat guard (tare) is attached to the mask beneath the chin. Each iron lame is coated with black lacquer formed into "false scales" (kiritsuke kozane) to give the appearance of individual scales. Lames are connected to one another with dark blue lacing in the kebiki-odoshi style.