Acorn-shaped Kabuto
Artist/Culture
Myochin Ki (no) Munechika
(Japan)
DateFebruary 1855
Mediumiron, gilded copper alloy, silver, silk cord, fabric, leather, lacquer and silver
Dimensions34.3 × 40.6 × 38.1 cm (13 1/2 × 16 × 15 in.), 6 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.714
Description4-plate iron hachi (bowl). Four vertical shallow ridges at overlapping edges of lames. Gilded leaf pattern decoration around tehen. Ocean wave pattern decoration glued to peak (one side missing). 5 lame nape defense. side-wings decorated with fabric and copper-allow fittings. Fabric lining and chinstrap intact. Sale catalogue entry pasted inside bowl at the brow: "238. Helmet. Iron, with bronze hachimanza. Silver waves, breaking, on visor. Neck-guard in four pieces of lacquered iron. Shape of calotte, or cap, corresponds to mediaeval European bisonet. The front ornament in form of tokko of silver and bronze. Side pieces with crests of plum blossom. Signature, Miyochin Munechika. Incised date 1855. Height 10 in." See digital file for a photo.
Label TextOvernight the Meiji Restoration transformed swords, spears, arrows, and armor from status symbols of the samurai military class to nostalgic ornaments. Samurai arms and armor forms became inspiration for decorative artworks, such as in Myochin Munetada’s Incense Burner. The bowl section of the helmet detaches to reveal underneath a silver interior vessel. Sword fittings made to embellish various components of the sword handle, including the sword guard, were recycled to now adorn decorative wares such as the Three-Tiered Box seen here. The prestigious Myochin family had dominated the art of armor for over four hundred years, and continued specializing in new decorative metalworks in the Meiji period. The Meiji period also witnessed the formation of companies to reorganize talented craftsmen. One notable company, Ozeki, commissioned individual works of art from different artists, such as the incense burner as seen here by Unno Moritoshi.ProvenancePurchased by Museum at the Morosini sale #3986 at the American Art Association (NYC), October 10-15, 1932, lot #167. Paid $14 for lot which included HAM#s 1870 and 1871. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Myōchin Yoshimichi
1600s–1700s
