96 - A FINE IRON HORAI-TYPE RYUBU MENPO

A FINE IRON HORAI-TYPE RYUBU MENPO Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely cast and forged in one section with a removable nose plate secured by small hinges, with gently flared nostrils and an open mouth, below a long, flowing horsehair mustache, the surface meticulously worked with fine diagonal yasurime, the chin is subtly modeled with a floral-shaped pin, the interior richly lacquered vermilion red, all fitted with a four-lame black-lacquered iron yodarekake, laced in dark blue in sugake odoshi. WIDTH 19.1 cm, HEIGHT 22 cm WEIGHT 532 g (excl. stand), 1,817 g (incl. stand) Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear. The lacquer with tiny age cracks to the interior, minute chips and light surface scratches. With a metal stand. The Horai school was one of the distinctive regional traditions of Japanese armor making, particularly associated with the production of expressive iron face masks. Its origins and internal genealogy remain less clearly documented than those of the better-known Myochin or Saotome schools, but surviving works demonstrate a recognizable preference for refined forging, carefully finished surfaces, and masks of considerable sculptural character. Masks have long played an important role in Japanese culture: in religious ceremonies, dance, Noh theater, and military costume. For samurai, masks served as a principal face defense and helped secure the helmet to the head more firmly. The majority of masks were half-length (menpo), covering the nose and the face below the eyes. Their iron surfaces are either lacquered or a dark russet finish; the interiors are usually lacquered red. Auction comparison: Compare a related menpo, similarly expressive, dated Edo period, at Bonhams, Antique Arms and Armour, 30 November 2017, London, lot 46 (sold for GBP 7,500 or approx. EUR 12,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).