Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why did samurai wear demon masks?
1 Answer
Japanese Samurai warriors wore masks that portrayed demons and fearsome animals as a way to intimidate their opponent. The mask also provided protection for their face. Shop a collection of samurai masks from top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Samurai Mask on 1stDibs
A Samurai Menpō (Face Mask) Japan, Edo Period, Early 18th Century
Located in London, GB
A Samurai Menpō (Face Mask) Japan, Edo Period, Early 18th Century
A samurai face mask, retaining its original red lacquer finish, white boar’s hair moustache and silk lacing.
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Japanese Edo Masks
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Iron Samurai Half Mask "Saru-Menpo ・18th Century wabisabi Zen
Located in 足利市, JP
Unlike conventional samurai masks covering the lower jaw, the Saru-Menpo was engineered to protect the forehead, temples, and cheeks, leaving an expressive open ocular aperture resem...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Iron
A Japanese Samurai ressei menpo mask
Located in Milano, IT
Samurai menpo mask with the ressei (fierce) expression, belonging to the me-no-shita "half-face" type, which stands out for its leather surface to simulate finely hammered iron.
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Japonisme Antiquities
Materials
Leather
A Momonari-type samurai Kabuto with menpō mask
Located in Milano, IT
A Kabuto Momonari-type samurai helmet, so named because of its characteristic shape resembling a peach, made of natural iron.
The visor (mabizashi) is embellished with raised eyebr...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Metalwork
Materials
Iron
"Sonem" (2023) - Japanese Armor Realist Still-Life Oil Painting
By Elena Burykina
Located in Denver, CO
For samurai, masks served as a principal face defense and helped secure the helmet to the head more firmly, but with the Edo period, masks became demonstration of the creativity and ...
Category
2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Japanese Edo Samurai Yoroi Iron Mempo Mask with Lacquer & Silk Lacing, c. 1750
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Iron Mempo Samurai Face Mask (Yoroi) with Lacquer and Silk Lacing, Circa 1750
A superb and highly expressive Japanese samurai menpō (face mask) dating from the E...
Category
Antique 1750s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
