1901.46.1 .5

Face mask [.5], part of complete suit of Japanese armour. [El.B 4/4/2007]

Place details: ASIA. Japan / Cultural Group: Japanese: Local Name: mempo or menpo Materials: Metal / Lacquer Varnish / Hair / ?. Processes: Lacquered Varnished / ?. Dimensions: Max W = 170 mm Field Collector: ?Henry Martin Gibbs sometimes spelt Henry Martyn Gibbs When Collected: By 1901 Other Owners: Henry Martin Gibbs sometimes spelt Henry Martyn Gibbs PRM Source: Henry Martin Gibbs sometimes spelt Henry Martyn Gibbs Acquired: Donated 1901

KEYWORD: Armour / Mask / CLASS: Armour Weapon / ?.

Object description: The mask covers most of the face. It has a detachable nose and a light-coloured moustache possibly of horse hair. The inside is lacquered red. [El.B 4/4/2007]

Publications history, trails & websites: Illustrated in colour on page 41 of Pitt Rivers Museum: An Introduction, by Julia Cousins (Oxford: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, 2004). Caption (same page) reads: 'Complete suit of decorative Samurai armour; made in Japan in the late nineteenth century.' [JC 8 10 2004]



Research notes: The following notes are drawn from research compiled by Andy Mills as part of the DCF Cutting Edge project in 2006-2007. This is a very full suit of highly ornate, and archaistic, armour from the Tokugawa Period. It is either a Presentation Armour for diplomatic gifting between high-ranking individuals, or the Parade Armour of a daimyo, one of his close relatives, or a high-ranking samurai retainer. [SM 08/05/2008]