Early 19^th Century black lacquered ‘nerikawa ressei men’ (molded leather mask with fierce expression), with large, gilded copper mounts and teeth. The interior is covered with thick gold leaf. The ‘tare’ (throat guard) is made of three lames of leather ‘honkozane’ (real scales), lacquered black on the exterior and red on the interior. Secured with close spaced white doeskin lacing.

EARLY 19TH CENTURY