Question on Menpo

[Herbie Husker]

Hello,

I purchased what was described as a Yoroi Menpo mask estimated age Edo times 1700-1750 that is lacquered gold.

Inside is lacquered in red.

My question is how common (if at all) were menpos lacquered in a gold color?

Naturally it could have been lacquered at anytime but I was just interested if the practice was used during Edo times.

Thank you.

[Justin Grant]

We need pics in order to tell you if period correct or later urushi.

[uwe]

Like Justin said!

Uwe

[Herbie Husker]

Here are the pictures of the Menpo as requested.

looks like a small amount of repairs have been done like beard repair and possible paint touch up?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kevin

[IanB]

Kevin, The mask has been without a doubt been re-laced - all the top strands of the cross-knots should go the same way. Two other things worry me. Firstly the rather rough finish. It is quite normal to finish the inside of the tare plates in black lacquer, but it should be smooth and well finished not rough like this. Textured finishes on the outside are common enough, but there is something about this that looks a bit odd despite the cracking by the right ear. Far more worrying to me is the lack of holes for a tie. Menpo were held onto the face by the helmet cord and usually provided with hooks and pegs for this purpose. This has neither, but that doesn't worry me too much. However, the mask almost invariably has a length of braid that held it on temporarily before the helmet cord was tied. This went through one or two holes in the upper edge near the ears, and definitely not through the holes in the ear. This doesn't have any which I find odd.

Ian Bottomley

[Herbie Husker]

Thank you for your insight Ian.

Your right it is very odd now that you mention it. There doesnt seem to be any holes above the ears that would have been used for the ties. The lacing appeared new to me too. so it appears it was laced inproperly?

I was wondering how common the gold color was or if the color itself is odd too?

I realize it is very difficult to determine age and authenticity especially when you dont have the item in hand to study but in your oppinion could this Menpo still be authentic and from the Edo period or would it likely be Meiji or a more modern peice?

The good thing is I feel I aquired it at a fair price (at least in my own mind) and I like it.

Thank you for your help.

Kevin

[Justin Grant]

To me it looks painted with gold paint and then "antiqued" to give it age. I also don't see the drain hole in chin area. The lacing is, as Ian suggested, incorrect, and in my opinion poorly done.

 

I'd personally be shocked if it were Edo, or authentic. The most important part is that you are happy with it. That is all that maters.

 

Justin

[Herbie Husker]

Hi Justin,

Your right it might be more likely that it was painted and made to look older than it is its really hard to tell.

All the signs you and Ian pointed out tells me the authenticity is suspect. Better to know the truth and enjoy as is than to continue to beleive it was potentially worn by samurai. Thankfully this was not too costly of a learning experience and I will continue to display and keep it out of the halloween box.

Thanks again.

Kevin

[Herbie Husker]

Hi Justin,

It does have a drain hole it just doesnt show up on the angle of the pictures.

Ill hold a little hope that it still might be authentic but it sounds like wishful thinking.

Thanks again,

Kevin