Splendid Samurai helmet "kabuto" with half mask "menpõ", Edo Period (1603-1868)

Description

iron, lacquer, lacing, cracks, base

This particularly high domed helmet is surmounted by a comb-like projection that was modelled on a courtly headdress. Such forms were modelled from papier-mâché using the “harikake” technique.

The front of the helmet is adorned with a magnificent emblem “maedate” made of gilded bronze. On both sides are openwork decorative elements reminiscent of the delicate wings of an insect or the shape of leaves. The neck guard (“shikoro”) is made of four parts.

The two-piece half mask (“menpõ”) is painted with finely dashed whiskers, teeth and lips are coloured red. Throat guard (“yodarekake”) of three lacquered iron plates (“itamono”).