Were there any fanged, oni-like menpō (Japanese war mask) during the Sengoku period? While the traditional image of oni masks is often associated with Japanese folklore and theater, there were no specific oni-like menpō (war masks) used during the Sengoku period (1467–1603). The menpō from this era typically served practical purposes in protecting the face during battle and intimidating enemies rather than depicting supernatural or mythical beings.
Menpō during the Sengoku period were designed with various facial expressions and features, but they were not explicitly oni-like. These masks were crafted to be functional and had variations in design based on the wearer’s preferences and the intended purpose. They could feature fierce expressions, exaggerated mustaches, or other elements meant to instill fear or project strength on the battlefield.
Oni, in Japanese folklore, are often portrayed as ogre-like creatures with fangs, horns, and other demonic features. While oni masks were used in traditional Japanese art and performances, the connection between oni and war masks during the Sengoku period is not a historical reality. The blending of oni imagery with war masks may occur in modern artistic interpretations or adaptations but is not reflective of the historical context of the Sengoku period.
