Tengu Menpo
Giuseppe Piva Japanese Art, Milan
Former Collection France
Japan, Edo period (1603–1868)
Menpo Face Mask
Materials: Iron, Copper, Lacquer, Silk, Deer Fur
Overview
Iron ressei menpō worked with pronounced shiwa that define the fierce expression. The hana is formed in the manner of a tengu, a deliberate reference to the mythical beings long associated with sword skill and martial discipline.
The exterior is finished in dark bengara urushi nuri, textured to simulate russet iron in the manner of tetsu sabiji urushi nuri. The interior is red lacquered.
Fitted with a black deer fur moustache, allowing uncomplicated international shipping as CITES restrictions do not apply.
The five plate iron yodarekake is constructed in black lacquered kiritsuke kozane style and laced in kebiki odoshi. The lower lame, the mune zurino ita, is finished in red lacquer with hishinui cross knot lacing.
Detailed Description
This is a well forged iron ressei menpō characterised by clearly defined shiwa across the cheeks and around the mouth, giving the mask its controlled yet forceful expression. The modelling is deliberate rather than exaggerated, with the surface retaining clarity beneath the lacquer.
The nose is formed in the likeness of a tengu. Within samurai culture these mountain beings were closely linked to martial discipline and swordsmanship, and their imagery appears frequently in armour fittings and mask design. Here the elongated and assertive form lends both symbolism and visual strength.
The exterior lacquer is a dark bengara urushi nuri. Its surface has been worked to emulate russet iron, reflecting the aesthetic associated with tetsu sabiji urushi nuri. The finish avoids artificial uniformity and presents as an intentional simulation of aged iron. The interior is coated in red lacquer, consistent with both protective and aesthetic practice.
The applied moustache is formed from black deer fur rather than bear, an important distinction for modern collectors as it permits international shipment without CITES complication.
The yodarekake comprises five iron lames constructed in kiritsuke kozane form and finished in black lacquer. Lacing is executed in kebiki odoshi, creating a firm and visually balanced throat guard. The terminal plate, the mune zurino ita, is lacquered red and finished with hishinui cross knot lacing, providing a strong visual counterpoint to the darker upper sections.
A coherent and well resolved example with clear stylistic intent and practical consideration for contemporary ownership.