Menpo Gashira
(Armored Mask)

Menpo (or men yoroi), is the term for various types of facial armor worn by the samurai class and their retainers in Feudal Japan. This Gashira Class menpo is a copy of an original, which features a kuchi hige (mustache), shiwa (facial wrinkles), odayori ore kugi (posts), hana (detachable nose guard) , mimi (ear covers) and tare (throat guard).  This style of menpo is the standard option for all of our Gashira Samurai Armor Sets and Gashira Kabuto. Samurai Mask.

History: The menpo, was traditionally used not only to protect the face in battle, but to help hold the cords of the kabuto (helmet) to the warrior’s head, while providing protection from the shinobi-no-o (kabuto rope).  The typically shinobi–no-o would tie around the ore kugi (L shaped post), located on the menpo cheeks and then down under the chin.  The menpo could have a cord, which tied over the crown of the warriors head, and/or could be tied to the shinobi-no-o, to be secured to the samurai warrior’s face.

Our menpo, like all of our armor, are full sized and functional.  It can fit your existing kabuto, or looks great displayed by itself with one of our Menpo Display Stands. Wear for re-enactment or as part of a costume, SCA, LARP, Cosplay or collection.

Features: Gashira Class Menpo

• Traditional Design.
• Full sized and functional.
• Mustache is goat or yak hair (depending on mustache style requested).
• Various tare, paint, cotton-lace and mustache options available.

[table id=236 /]

[table id=PF /]

References:  “The Samurai Armour Glossary” by Ian Bottomley & David Thatcher  /  “The Watanabe Art Museum Samurai Armour Collection Volume 1: Kabuto & Mengu” By Trevor Absolon