Menpo

[redhugster]

Hi there,

 

First time posting on this side of the 'Message Board' as I usually stay on the Teppo side.

 

A friend is selling what I beleive is called a 'Menpo' and 'Nodawa'. Is there a way to identify age rather than just describing it as 'edo period'.

 

Is this type of Japanese armour valuable or more run of the mill (i'm not looking for a valuation, just interested!)

 

I know nothing about this type of thing - other than it would look nice on my book shelf - with all my other odds and ends!

 

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, Jon

[uwe]

Hi Jon,

 

menpō can be divided in several types with quality ranging from average to piece of art. Unfortunately not much is written on the subject, even though they represent an interesting collecting field in their own right. 
However, back to your piece. Hmm, how should I put it….well, it looks very odd! The mask pretends to be a ryūbu-men (mask with calm expression, usually without wrinkles). Actually, some features in the design and workmanship are raising doubts that we are dealing with a real menpō in this case. That is also true for the throat guard (called “tare”). Nodowa is a different piece of armor! 
 

We can go through step by step if you like, later on?!

[Matsunoki]

Does a magnet stick to the Menpo? ie is it iron?

[YOJIMBO]

its s**t, no mempo

[Shogun8]

I would agree with the previous comments. Several features would indicate staying away from this one.

[Iekatsu]

Not an authentic period Menpo sorry.

[redhugster]

Thank you all for your thoughts. As I said, not really my field of knowledge!

 

It goes to show I suppose that people have been making (and faking) things for a long time.

 

Best Jon