Samurai Face Guard

Russet iron samurai half-mask (tetsu sabiji 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 white and edged with gold. 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). It's likely that a short beard (ago hige) beneath the lower lip once existed on this mask as well. Decorative plates are present where the ears would be, each with six holes. The interior of the mask is painted with red lacquer.

A four lame throat guard (tare) is now detached from the mask but attaches 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 burgundy silk lacing in the kebiki-odoshi style.