Subject: 侍 samurai warrior

Culture: Japanese

Setting: Edo period, Japan 17th-19thc

Object: armor > somen mask

Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor *

"Mask Lacquered iron Inscribed by Myōchin Muneakira

Edo period, 18th century"

* Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor

"Mask Laquered iron Inscribed by Myōchin Muneakira

(1673-1745) Edo Period, dated 1715"

Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor *

"Mask Lacquered iron Helmet and mask inscribed by Jo Michitaka Edo Period, dated 1745

The armorer's masterpiece, this mask by Muneakira was already famous when it was reproduced in a woodcut book illustration in 1763.

The mask represents Jikokuten, guardian of the East -- one of the Four Kings of Heaven.

The mask retains its original silk head covering sewn to the upper edges."

* Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor

"Mask Laquered iron, gold

Inscribed by Myōchin Munemitsu

Edo period, 18th century"

Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor *

"Mask Lacquered iron, partly gilt

Inscribed by Myōchin Munesuke (1688-1735)

Edo period, early 18th century"

* Metropolitan Museum of Art > Stone Gallery of Arms and Armor

"Mask Lacquered iron

Inscribed by Myōchin Muneakira (1673-1745)

Edo Period, dated 1713"