Mon (crest for helmet)
Culture
Japanese
Datelate 1700s–early 1800s
Mediumwood, lacquer, copper alloy, gold, possibly bone
Dimensions8.5 × 13.5 cm (3 3/8 × 5 5/16 in.), 1 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.694.21
Label TextShikami are mythical demon-like beings with fierce expressions that were popularly used by samurai as fore-crests. Although the shape of their heads and whiskers may have been inspired by lions most of them, like this example, also have horns or antlers, long ears, fangs and bushy eyebrows.ProvenanceGift to the Museum by Mrs. Sumner Pingree (Boston, MA) from the Weld estate on March 27, 1943.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.On View
Not on view
Myōchin Yoshimichi
1600s–1700s
