Unique Koto era Somen

[Ed Hicks]

Unique Koto era Somen...I've seen a similar one pictured in a book on early Mempo and I believe this one to be Muromachi period...Heavier than later masks this would likely stop or misdirect a sword blow...Interesting engraved and embossed chin section...The actual surface is much darker and I used flash to show the details better. Ed

[Ed Hicks]

The design is quite unusual and although it looks a bit odd it actually works well as a mask and fits well.

[IanB]

Ed, Although it may have been put together a long time ago, what you have here is an Etchu hanbo to which an upper part has been added. The filed lines on the lower part are a give-away.

Ian Bottomley

[Ed Hicks]

Thanks, Ian...It's an odd one for sure. Ed

[uwe]

Same patina but different surface structure. I'm with Ian. Although, heavy altered etchu-men.

Cheers

Uwe