Japanese Armor Society Forum

The infinite variety of Japanese face armour is astounding, with many different types, classifications, styles and makers. There are also many reproductions and fakes meant to deceive the unsuspecting and novice collector. Although this forum was created for members of the Japanese Armor Society, we welcome casual visitors to ask questions about anything in the samurai armour world that may interest you. Perhaps you have just bought or are considering buying your first piece, or maybe you saw something in a museum, at an auction house or online. Or, maybe you're just interested because of something you saw in The Last Samurai or a Kurosawa movie. Either way, please feel free to ask questions in this Public Section of the forum. And, if you really get "bitten by the bug", then perhaps you will consider joining the Japanese Armor Society to indulge your interest!

To help novices on their way, here are just a few examples of samurai "mengu" (often referred to colloquially or in general usage as "menpo") or face masks, including their broad classification:

Hanbo (half mask without nosepiece, sometimes also called hanpo/hampo):

Ressei Menpo ("fierce face" half mask, with wrinkles):

Ryubu Menpo ("noble face" half mask, no wrinkles):

Somen (full face mask):

What about happuri?

You're right, Eric! Also hitai-ate (forehead protector):

John Wee Tom wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:18 am You're right, Eric! Also hitai-ate (forehead protector):

John, I think that most hachi-gane / hitai-ate as well as armored hachi-maki (hitaigane-maki or yoroi hachi-maki) belong in a category by themselves, not quite kabuto, not quite mengu....but what about this type with the cheek flaps? An improved / updated version of the happuri or inspired by the happuri?

Eric Tulin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2017 6:24 am

John Wee Tom wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:18 am You're right, Eric! Also hitai-ate (forehead protector):

John, I think that most hachi-gane / hitai-ate as well as armored hachi-maki (hitaigane-maki or yoroi hachi-maki) belong in a category by themselves, not quite kabuto, not quite mengu....but what about this type with the cheek flaps? An improved / updated version of the happuri or inspired by the happuri?

Eric,

I agree with you, which is why I didn't think to include these items with my initial post (although the happuri should be included). I think the version you just posted offers more protection for the crown and would have been more flexible/comfortable with its hinged cheek flaps, not to mention better visibility. Whether it predates or is later than the happuri, I don't know.

the question is, are we talking about face-protection, or are we talking about art?

Last picture implemented rather art....