Japanese Embroidery-The Samurai Mask

Samurai Mask Embroidery

Samurai masks, known as mempo, are a type of battle armor designed to protect the face and strike fear into the heart of an opponent. They were designed by special craftsmen to reflect the personality and preferences of each Samurai.

Mempo is the term for various types of facial armor worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. Types of Japanese facial armor include the somen, menpō, hanpo and happuri.

Mempo were facial armor which covered all or part of the face and provided a way to secure the top-heavy kabuto (helmet). The Shinobi-no-o (chin cord) of the kabuto would be tied under the chin of the mempo. There were small hooks called ori-kugi or posts called odome located on various places to help secure the kabuto’s chin cord. Mengu may be constructed from iron or leather, or a combination of both. They may have a lacquered or rusted type of finish and can include a variety of facial details, such as moustaches, fierce teeth and a detachable nose. Most mempo with the exception of the happuri had a small hole underneath the chin for sweat drainage.

During EDO feudal era, Japanese warriors wore as a mempo samurai mask with a Kabuto helmet during battles. The soldier's armor was supposed to scare off opponents. It was even said that the oni mask contained spirits to strike terror into the hearts of enemies.

Who were the samurai?

Samurai Armour

Japanese warriors were loyal warriors who spent their entire lives serving and protecting their master. Their behavior was governed by honor. The early samurai were people trained to protect high-ranking members of the imperial court. Etymologically, "samurai" comes from the verb saburau which means "to serve someone."

When the aristocracy weakened and power began to be given to warriors, the people who fought and led battles were called samurai.

From the late 15th century to 1603, when the Edo era began, anyone could become a samurai through battlefield service.

Samurai were brave warriors full of honor. They wielded their swords for their lord and preferred death to dishonor.

Samurai masks are very popular in the tattoo world. Moreover, in the symbolism of tattoos, they represent a rather strong mantra which is the following:

• Honor, Loyalty, Strength, Bravery and Sacrifice

This meaning is not far from what these swordsmen represent in Japanese culture: a good samurai follows Bushido, the way of the warrior, with righteousness.

He feels great loyalty to his lord and fights with all his might to honor his ancestors.

Japanese Samurai Mask In Embroidery Art

In Japanese embroidery art, samurai masks, including the mempo, are often depicted with great skill and attention to detail. In addition to capturing the physical appearance of the samurai masks, embroidery artists may also imbue their creations with symbolic meaning or convey aspects of Japanese culture and history through their work. For example, they may incorporate motifs or symbols associated with bushido (the way of the warrior) or depict scenes from famous battles or legends involving samurai warriors.

Samurai Mask Embroidery

The hoodie is made from a high-quality, heavyweight cotton blend fabric, providing both warmth and comfort. Its deep black color serves as the perfect canvas for the intricate embroidery that adorns its front. On the back of the hoodie, covering much of the centre area, is a beautifully embroidered samurai mask. The mask is depicted in exquisite detail, with every line and curve meticulously stitched to capture the essence of this iconic piece of Japanese armor. Around it is cherry blossom and above all is Bushido kanji embroidered.

Japanese Bushido Embroidered Hoodie, Samurai mask and cherry blossoms

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