Russet iron ressei Tengu Men

Samurai mask shaped as a Tengu

Mid Edo period (1615-1867)

This menpō presents some features, such as the nose shaped like a beak, which suggests that represents the face of a Tengu. The Tengu are mythological creatures of ancient Japanese tradition identify both as kami (gods) and as yokai (demons). They are usually represented as birdman with a long prominent nose or, as in this case,  a beak.  The mask interior is lacquered and the iron yodarekake is made in four kiritsukezane plates.

On this page is a comprehensive glossary of common terms related to samurai armor.