A FINE HORSE ARMOUR WITH MASK [BAMEN]

LATE MOMOYAMA/EARLY EDO PERIOD (EARLY 17TH CENTURY), THE MASK EDO PERIOD (LATE 17TH CENTURY)

Details

A FINE HORSE ARMOUR WITH MASK [BAMEN]
Late Momoyama/early Edo period (Early 17th Century), the mask Edo period (late 17th century)
Made in two sections, one to protect the neck and shoulders, the other for the croup, flank and thighs, each section constructed of small rectangular pressed leather pieces lacquered black and gold and stitched to a fabric backing, complete with its cords and tassels, the bamen [chamfron] modelled as a dragon's head built up with lacquered and gilt paper, the interior with black lacquered leather, eyes of gilded copper with shakudo pupils, interior of ears and nose lacquered red, cheek pieces hinged with silk cord, right ear restored, some old wear, with wooden box
The mask: 20.5/8in.(52.5cm.) long

Lot Essay

A paper attached to the chamfron's box relates to the Tokodo collection. Tsunajiro Ueda, who worked for Tokodo, collected many masterpieces. They are highly prized by collectors and dealers in Japan.

Dr Sasama in his book Nihon no Kacchu Bugu Jiten mentions "Horse Armour was popular in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1596). It was not expected completely to protect the horse and was heavy. However it had a threatening and dignified appearance in the eyes of one's enemies and so some generals liked to use it and some decorated the armour with peacock feathers, tigers fur, etc."

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