Japan
Face mask (sōmen) eighteenth century
Iron, lacquer, hemp liner, gilded leather trim, horn buttons, silk cords, horsehair whiskers | 35.0 x 37.5 x 13.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 37816
Fearsome masks with wrinkles and thick eyebrows helped give warriors an intimidating appearance. The throat piece protects this vulnerable area and absorbs sweat and condensation, which drains from a hole in the underside of the chin piece.
