Antique Late Edo Period Menpo Face Guard for Samurai Armor with Kicho Shiryo Certificate (M-25)
Period: Late Edo period (1801-1844)
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on September 14th 2025. We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months.
Description
The Menpo (面頬) is a Japanese face guard that was part of Samurai armor. Various types of Menpo were hand-crafted during the Samurai period (1185–1868). Each Menpo carries a distinct facial expression depending on its design. By wearing a fierce-looking Menpo, it was believed that the wearer could gain courage and fighting spirit.
This particular type is called a Ressei Menpo (烈勢面頬). It features deep wrinkles on the nose and cheeks, thin cheek lines, a mustache, a wide-open mouth, gold or silver teeth, and an overall ferocious expression. It represents an angry face intended to intimidate enemies. On each side of the cheek is an Orikugi (折釘, L-shaped nail), used for tying the Menpo securely with the string of a Kabuto (兜, Samurai helmet). Under the chin, there is also a small opening known as an Ase-nagashi no Ana (汗流の孔, “sweat-draining hole”), designed to let sweat or moisture escape and make wearing the armor more comfortable.
Samurai often preferred Menpo with mustaches, as the facial hair was thought to increase masculine appearance and strength. It was said that a mustache could make even a young warrior look like a seasoned veteran from a distance. This Menpo also bears a mustache, emphasizing that effect.
Based on its style and condition, this Menpo was most likely made in the late Edo period (early 17th–late 19th century). Compared with earlier times, the Edo period was relatively peaceful. During this era, possessing a magnificent set of armor became an important status symbol that reflected dignity and social standing. As a result, Samurai armor was increasingly treated as luxurious artwork. Armor makers refined their craftsmanship, adopting the latest techniques of the time to enhance not only the protective function but also the aesthetic beauty of their creations. This trend naturally extended to the crafting of Menpo as well.
*As this item is an antique, there are damages due to aging such as scratches, dents, or peeling of lacquer.
Please check each photo and ensure its condition. Especially, some of the lacquer is fragile to dryness. We hope you will enjoy it as the texture of an antique item.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
【Antique Japanese Menpo and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the Menpo to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Menpo and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
