64-plate Hoshi Kabuto (rivet helmet)

Culture Japanese

Date1500s

Mediumiron, lacquer, copper alloy, gilded shakudo, leather, silk and fabric

Dimensions16.5 × 28.6 × 23.5 cm (6 1/2 × 11 1/4 × 9 1/4 in.), 4 lb 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.720

DescriptionSixty-two plate small rivet kabuto of akoda-nari form. Conical rivets cover virtually all the surfaces of the bowl. Copper and copper-alloy tehen with multiple-tier rosette. Red lacquer under visor. Fabric lining still intact.
Label TextThis helmet was painstakingly crafted from 64 strips of iron tightly assembled with nearly 2000 rivets. It was made to endure the punishment of battle at the very end of Japan's feudal wars. The rivets on this style of helmet may have inspired the spikes of the outstanding conch-shell helmet in the Higgins collection.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on December 14, 1932 from Kano Oshima (NYC), his #19551. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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