A MYOCHIN SCHOOL IRON SOMEN (FULL FACE MASK) Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Forged in sections and designed with deeply embossed eyebrows and deep wrinkles on the cheeks (shiwa) which are simulated in the metal to create a fierce expression, above a scrolling moustache and beard, the mask cast with flared nostrils and an open mouth, the chin applied with ase-nagashi, the cheeks with L-shaped hooks (ori kugi) to help fasten the helmet cord, all above the five-lame yodarekake lacquered bronze and laced green. HEIGHT 36.3 cm WEIGHT 680 g Condition: Good condition with typical surface wear. The iron with a dark patina. Touchups to the moustache. The ears lost. With a black lacquer tomobako, finely lacquered to the top with the Abe kaju-no ha mon crest, the long sides decorated with two crests, one from the Takenaka clan and the second, a variation of the Maruni Musubi Karigane (wild goose crest), and further applied with looped gilt fittings incised with Abe kaju-no ha mon crests. The existence of somen (full masks) goes back to the Muromachi Period but quickly declined in popularity as the full coverage of the face was found to be uncomfortable and impractical since it did not provide any functional advantage. They continued to be made as showpieces for high-ranking lords as opposed to practical armor accoutrements. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Myochin school iron Somen at Christie’s, Bushell Collection of Japanese Sword Fittings & Works of Art, 28 October 1998, New York, lot 707 ( sold for 21,850 USD). Compare a closely related Myochin school iron Somen at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art including property from the Collection of Drs Edmund and Julie Lewis, 22 July 2020, New York, lot 1111 ( sold for USD 17,575).