Ressei menpo

Samurai armor’s mask with fierce expression

Myōchin school, Mid Edo period, 18th century

Literature

The unusual triangular shape of this unique samurai mask is accentuated by the two large yadome that embellish its thin cheekbones. With droplets and sporadic splashes of gin sawari, a pewter alloy that resembles silver, the surface is almost unique. This feature, together with the delicate design of specific details like the form of the ears and the nose-piece outline, suggests that the region of manufacture could be Kaga, where the Myōchin group of armorers had an active branch working in the local taste.