Ceremonial Helmet in the form of a Priest's Cap

Ceremonial Helmet in the form of a Priest's Cap

Culture Japanese

Dateprobably 1600s

Mediumiron, gold-leaf, copper alloy, fabric, silk and lacquer

Dimensions40.6 × 24.1 × 24.1 cm (16 × 9 1/2 × 9 1/2 in.), 3 lb 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.722

DescriptionIron, once russet or lacquered. Tall, reminiscent of bishop's mitre in form with rounded top, of 2 longitudinal halves overlapped with the plane. Front embossed with grimacing, horned demon (oni) from head of which arises "ken" (straight sword). Base beaten out in narrow, undulating peak, interior of which retains much of red lacquer. Blue cloth lining preserved. A broad, curved plate spans the inside, above the lining, to help support the helmet on the head. Brass edging applied around the visor. With helmet is detached set of 4 narrow nape lames. Each recurved, deepening at mid-width & retaining varying amount of gold lacquer & red and blue silk laces.
Label TextSeventeenth century feudal lords wore striking and unusual helmets (kawari-kabuto) at ceremonial occasions. Constructed of vertical halves made of iron, the helmet ends in a rounded top. The surface, which was originally lacquered, is decorated with the embossed design of a grimacing, horned demon surmounted by a straight, double-edged, spiritual sword called ken. The ken is considered an implement symbolic of the holy wrath against evil of the esoteric deity Fudō Myōō; it is also associated with Buddhist rituals. The helmet has a blue cloth cap lining and an undulating visor with a red-lacquered underside. A neck-guard of nape-lames joined with red and blue silk lacing was once attached to the rim of the back half of the helmet.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum from Professor Frederick M. Pedersen (NYC), on 13 May 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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