Menpo Kuchisake Red Half-Mask

About this piece

The red Mempo Kuchisake is the most aggressive version of the split-mouth half-mask. The red accentuates the bloody and violent aspects of the Kuchisake-Onna legend. Printed in PETG in my Breton workshop, hand-sanded, and painted with intense red acrylic paint.

Where he comes from
The Mempo (面頬) is the face shield worn by samurai during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Made of wrought iron or lacquered leather, it covered the lower part of the face to protect the jaw and cheeks while intimidating the opponent. Some were adorned with a silk mustache or a deliberately menacing expression. The Mempo is one of the most characteristic elements of Japanese armor (yoroi). The red of the Kuchisake Mempo reinforces the association with the violence of the legend: the Kuchisake-Onna, whose mouth was split open, leaving a permanent scar. In its samurai version, this red also evokes the aesthetic of the armor worn by the most feared warriors.

What you receive

1 hand-painted red Mempo Kuchisake half-mask
Dimensions: ~20cm (L) x 7cm (D) x 12cm (H)
Weight: ~100 g
Material: PETG (impact resistant, stable up to 80°C)
Finish: multi-layer acrylic paint, matte varnish
Cord provided
Option: stand / base (+15 EUR)
Made to order in Brittany

Manufacturing
I print each piece in PETG on my Bambu Lab, sand by hand between two coats of primer, then work the color in several passes of acrylic. A final matte varnish seals everything.

Wear or display
Lightweight (~100g), it can be worn conventionally with your preferred fastening system. The intense red of the red Kuchisake creates a strong and instantly recognizable visual impression for fans of Japanese folklore.

Shipping
Shipped from Brittany, reinforced packaging. France and Europe. Production time: ~14 business days. Photos of the finished mask sent upon request before shipment.

Questions

What is a Mempo?
This is the face guard of the samurai, covering the lower part of the face (nose, cheeks, chin). Worn with a helmet (kabuto), it completed Japanese armor and served both to protect and to terrify the opponent.

Is the half-mask wearable?
Yes. Lightweight (~100g), it can be mounted using your preferred hanging system. The included cord makes it easy to handle. For wall decoration, it can be displayed on a stand or hung directly.

What is the manufacturing lead time?
Made to order in Brittany. Please allow approximately 14 business days before shipping. Photos sent upon request before shipment.