Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Unknown — The helmet signed Myochin Nobuie and kao [cursive monogram], the mempo signed in gold lacquer Nobuie | The helmet Muromachi period, dated Tenbun juichi nen nin to… hachigatsu kichijutsu (forged on an auspicious day in the 8th month 1542), the armour Edo period, 19th century
Unknown

The helmet signed Myochin Nobuie and kao [cursive monogram], the mempo signed in gold lacquer Nobuie | The helmet Muromachi period, dated Tenbun juichi nen nin to… hachigatsu kichijutsu (forged on an auspicious day in the 8th month 1542), the armour Edo period, 19th century

This Japanese armor ensemble, crafted across two periods by the renowned Myochin workshop, combines a helmet forged in 1542 with nineteenth century body armor that demonstrates the sophisticated metalworking traditions of feudal Japan. The fearsome mempo face guard displays exquisite detailing including gold inlaid facial hair, silver lacquered teeth, and deep wrinkles that convey an intimidating expression meant to strike fear in opponents. The integration of multiple precious materials and the preservation of the maker's signature in gold lacquer testifies to both the functional and artistic mastery required of master armorers during the Edo period.

Medium
russet iron ressei mempo forged with fierce expression, deep wrinkles and open mouth, detachable nose-plate, gold inlay moustache and chin tuft, silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior, tiered throat protector laced in matching braid

🔨 Auction Lot

Art of Japan

October 29, 2024

Estimate: $120,000$150,000

Lot 44

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Unknown, The helmet signed Myochin Nobuie and kao [cursive monogram], the mempo signed in gold lacquer Nobuie | The helmet Muromachi period, dated Tenbun juichi nen nin to… hachigatsu kichijutsu (forged on an auspicious day in the 8th month 1542), the armour Edo period, 19th century

This Japanese armor ensemble, crafted across two periods by the renowned Myochin workshop, combines a helmet forged in 1542 with nineteenth century body armor that demonstrates the sophisticated metalworking traditions of feudal Japan. The fearsome mempo face guard displays exquisite detailing including gold inlaid facial hair, silver lacquered teeth, and deep wrinkles that convey an intimidating expression meant to strike fear in opponents. The integration of multiple precious materials and the preservation of the maker's signature in gold lacquer testifies to both the functional and artistic mastery required of master armorers during the Edo period.

Medium
russet iron ressei mempo forged with fierce expression, deep wrinkles and open mouth, detachable nose-plate, gold inlay moustache and chin tuft, silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior, tiered throat protector laced in matching braid
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Martial arts equipment, Functional aesthetics, Metalwork, Ornamental craftsmanship, Japanese Artist, Edo Period, Muromachi Period, Samurai armor, Lacquer technique, Historical Documentation

More works by Unknown

Collected by

Richard Caswell, Sebastián Naranjo, Jonah Handel, Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Ethan Elkins, Alex Capecelatro, Mihail Lari, Cleveland Museum of Art