2-Plate Kabuto (helmet)

Culture Japanese

Date18th century

Mediumiron, copper, gilded copper alloy and gold

DimensionsMon: 30.5 × 21 × 1.3 cm (12 × 8 1/4 × 1/2 in.), 0.6 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.697.13

DescriptionMon is Mythical Demon Head on Flat Stylized Horns (Shikami-gashira kuwagata). Separate maedate in form of omi, see digital file for photo.
Label TextA mythical demon (shikami) with glaring eyes, furrowed brow, large ears and antlers or horns, often appeared as the fore-crest (maedate) of samurai helmets. This bull-horned shikami is made of embossed copper with gold eyes. It is attached to stylized, gilded copper alloy kuwagata with pierced heart-shapes (inome; lit. “boar’s eye”) at their splayed ends. Symbolic motifs such as dragons, rabbits, dragonflies, clan-crests, mallets and lotus buds, also served as fore-crests, but the scowling skikami persisted in numerous variations as the favorite protective talisman on samurai helmets.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum from Yamanaka & Company (New York City) on 19 December 1933 as part of their armor YP Spl . No. 23. Paid $125.00 for the complete armor. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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