Mempo (faceguard)
Culture
Japanese
Datelate 1700s–early 1800s
Mediumiron with lacquer and hair
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.705.1
DescriptionLacquered iron. Half-face type, shaped to chin & cheeks, with detachable nose defense. Cheeks with thin, recurved flanges (right detached). Upper & center of lower lip with hair "mustache." Defense back-lacquered exterior, red within. Associated yodare-kake (gorget plate defense) of 4 curved lames overlapping upward. These red-lacquered on face, black within, & working on plain leather cords.ProvenanceEx collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) (#04.4.46); purchased by the Museum on 15 November 1956, at Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc. (NYC), sale 1708, part of lot 195. Price of $80 included HAM # 3139.1-12. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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