Hoshi-Kabuto (helmet)
Artist
Japanese
DateEdo Period, early-mid 18th century
Mediumiron, leather, lacquer, silk, and gilded copper-alloy
Dimensionsabout 28 x 48 cm overall
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineBequest of Dr. John C. Cutter
Object number1910.47.1
DescriptionHelmet for a full suit of Japanese armor. Weight about 7.5 lb.Label TextThe signature in red inside the helmet bowl states that it was made by "the 25th generation Myochin Munemasa" (1688-1740), a famous armor-maker who lived in Yushima, Edo (present-day Tokyo). This classic-style helmet consists of 22 curved iron plates secured by means of flanges (suji) and rows of six rivets (hoshi) which decrease in size. A visor and a neck-guard of laced lamellar tiers are attached to the bowl rim. The tiers fold back to form a pair of fukikaeshi. The flower-diamond crests (ishimochi hanabishi) indicate that the helmet was probably made for the Yanagisawa-clan: for Yoshiyasu (1658-1714; a daimyo and grand chamberlain of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi) or for one of his sons. The helmet, like the armor, is embellished with stylized leaf and iris stenciled leather patterns, chevron border-braiding, red cross-knots, gilt rivets and engraved openwork chrysanthemum plates. Flat, gilt copper alloy kuwagata-horns flank a tubular socket displaying a fore-crest. The 'hat-flag ring,' on the back-plate was once meant for an identification streamer. Its decorative silk bow later prevented it from rattling. The opening (tehen) at the crown of the bowl is fitted with an ornate gilded copper rim. During the 12th-14th centuries the tehen helped secure the helmet. Samurai tied their hair in topknots and wore soft caps-the tops of both were pulled through the hole. Later helmets had cloth-cap linings and samurai wore their hair loose and tied with a headband.ProvenanceDr. John C. Cutter, Worcester, MA.
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