An early Edo period iron Sōmen (full face mask). The nose is a replacement from the same material, period and school. As the nose is interchangeable by design, this is not objectionable and priced accordingly. As part of a samurai’s armor, a Sōmen would provide greater protection than a menpo. This Sōmen is lighter than later, fanciful Edo period “parade” examples.

Probably Echizen province, late 16th or 17th century. Bizen province artisans also took up Yoshiro zogan inlay work in the Kinai (ancient provinces and surrounds) manner. Brass (valuable in the period) and silver inlay flush with the iron surface was thought to have been introduced by an artisan named Yoshiro, for whom it is named. Slightly earlier, Heianjo school work tends to rest atop the surface into which it is inlaid. Late Muromachi or early Edo period. Length, about 12 inches. More pictures coming