Mempō (face-guard)
Artist
Japanese
DateEdo Period, early-mid 18th century
Mediumiron, leather, lacquer, silk, gilded copper alloy, hair, fabric
Dimensionsabout 28 x 21 cm, overall
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineBequest of Dr. John C. Cutter
Object number1910.47.2
DescriptionFace guard for a Japanese Suit of Samurai ArmorLabel TextDo-maru armor is characteristically composed of a cuirass (do) and hanging sections made of lacquered metal and leather scales/lamellae linked by close-knit kebiki-style lacing. The cuirass wraps around the body and fastens under the right arm. Do-maru were first used by foot soldiers and lower class samurai. They were also favored by generals as protective vests under clothing during the 12th century. During the 14th century it became the preferred armor among all warriors since it was easy to put on and enabled ease of movement when fighting on foot with swords and spears. Mounted samurai complemented do-maru with large upper arm guards, sleeve- and hand armor, face-mask with throat-guard, thigh guards and shin-guards; they also wore helmets. Made for a daimyo, this lamellar armor has an upper iron breast-plate covered with stenciled leather decorated with the stylized Sanskrit character for the Esoteric Buddhist Fudo Myoo and forms an elegant set with a hoshi-kabuto ("star helmet") signed by Myochin Munemasa (1688-1740). Crafted in peaceful times it was a symbol of the wearer's high class and status, used for ceremonial purposes. The original storage box (gusoku-bitsu) is missing. It was replaced by one with a pink-flower/carnation crest. The samurai Sakai Genzo, who once owned the armor, sold it in Japan in 1880. It was later acquired by Dr. John C. Cutter who left it as a bequest to the Worcester Art Museum (1910).ProvenanceJohn C. Cutter, Worcester, MA.
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