So-men (full mask) are the full-faced variant of the traditional armored samurai menpo (mask). It was designed to cover the entire face instead of just the lower portion. This particular somen is Gashira class and cast from bronze. It is a little too heavy to be worn comfortably, it works best for display. This “Gashira Class” So-men features two adjustable cotton cords and an option hood attached to hold the heavy mask more snugly to your face. The Gashira So-men looks great displayed by itself, mounted on your wall or displayed on a mantel. Its also a nice display for restaurants, office, worn for decoration, re-enactment or as part of a costume.
Features: Gashira Class So-men
- Full sized and functional
- Various paint, mustache / beard and tare options available
- Cast from bronze
| Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 1 to 2 weeks, depending on options selected, and other scheduled orders, for the custom handcrafting of this item. |
| For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service. |
References: “The Samurai Armour Glossary” by Ian Bottomley & David Thatcher / “The Watanabe Art Museum Samurai Armour Collection Volume 1: Kabuto & Mengu” By Trevor Absolon
The mask is great looking and solid made. However it is more ornate than it is functional. It is a little too heavy to wear and a little too big to wear with a kabuto. If it where lighter and just a little smaller, it would be perfect.
This is certainly a 1 of a kind mask. Casted from brass with great detail and looks great displayed on my wall. It is a little too heavy to wear comfortably, but it can be worn.
The mask is sturdy, strong and looks incredible. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it is uncomfortable to wear, however this can be somewhat fixed by putting cotton in between your nose and the mask. The crafting took a bit long but the shipping was massively shorter than I expected it to be.
I purchased a beautiful menpo for an upcoming post apocalyptic event and what came back was not only stunning, it was a work of art. I am still a little sad that I have to age and weather it to suit the event, but this is in no way my last purchase from Iron Mountain Armory.