FACE PROTECTION called HAPPURI - Japan - Edo period, (1603 -1868)

FACE PROTECTION called HAPPURI

Japan, Edo Period, (1603 –1868)

Black lacquered iron

H.: 20; L.: 19 cm

The happuri is considered a type of mempo constituting like a facial mask open to the eyes and mouth in a polylobed cutout. This particular shape earned it the name sarubō , literal translation of "monkey cheeks".

It is in black lacquered iron covering the forehead and the cheeks and is embellished with two fins at the level of the lower cheeks, called yadome , serving as parfleches.

Happuri were worn by ashigaru , the soldiers of infantry units in medieval Japan. The term ashigar means "light foot", it refers to the armament and light protection from which these soldiers benefited.

Provenance: Former Suda Hasaya collection, Hiroshima, Japan.

Ref. : 2397

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON