A Rare and Unusual ‘Fur’ Menpo ‘Shokumo’

A Rare and Unusual ‘Fur’ Menpo ‘Shokumo’
Iron, fur (hare) material, whiskers, lacquer   
Japan
Mid Edo Period / 18th Century

SIZE: 25cm high, 20cm wide, 13cm deep - 9¾ ins high, 8 ins wide, 5¼ ins deep
A Rare and Unusual ‘Fur’ Menpo ‘Shokumo’
Iron, fur (hare) material, whiskers, lacquer   
Japan
Mid Edo Period / 18th Century

SIZE: 25cm high, 20cm wide, 13cm deep - 9¾ ins high, 8 ins wide, 5¼ ins deep
The whole surface is covered with fur (hare). The covering of ‘fur’ was to impress the enemy, although some protection from rain could be achieved. The use of ‘hare’ fur is symbolic in Japan, being one of the signs of the Zodiac, and also a creature which embodies performance as well as the ‘philosophy’ of Japan. The hare took on many ‘stylistic’ representations among the Samurai warrior.

An example in the Arman collection, and a ‘Kabuto’ covered with similar fur are in the Osaka Castle Museum
Giuseppe Piva, Milano, Italy
Ex Private collection
Armures Japonaises, dans la collection Arman; Robert Burawoy. Exhibition, Grand Palais, Paris, France, 14-19 Janvier 1992 for a similar Menpo, circa 1600

A Rare and Unusual ‘Fur’ Menpo ‘Shokumo’

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+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk