Description: Early Japanese Edo period, (1600 to 1800) Samurai Kabuto made entirely of Russet Iron in the "Nanban" or "foreign" style. This helmet incorporates 5 iron plates circumventing the bowl each being intricately overlaid in silver with three different family crests, or "Mon's". Mon is surrounded with lovely wandering tendrils of fern. Each of these plates is held in place by individual rivets in the shape of chrysanthemums and edged with twisted rope like borders. The family crests consists of 2 "Manji Omote" (left facing swastikas), two Mitsu Tome (lightening bolts), and a circular central Mon of a Buddhist inspired design representing 8 vajra handles pointing inward towards a stylized flower. The dome of this helmet is adorned with an open fish net design laid over the 4 piece dome. The bill of this helmet is ornately carved with the underside being painted with red lacquer. The "shikoro" or neck protection skirt is long since missing. The interior of the helmet still retains it's original fabric lining, having been split open at some point in order to view the red lacquer "Shumei" signature of the maker.

History: Samurai armor is some of the most intriguing armor in the world being made to represent all shapes and forms found within the world of flora and fauna. The imagination and skill of the armor maker being left open to any desire or representation he saw fit to make, either from a personal perspective, or guided by the will of the consumer.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 5 | Height(in) = 12 | Width(in) = 15 | Depth(in) = 11

Size of Artwork(in): 10 x 12.25 x 7.875"

Artist Name: N/A

Medium: Iron/Cloth

Circa: 1600

Very good condition with a beautiful patina to both the russet iron body and all silver overlay, none of which appears to be missing. The liner has been split at some point most likely to be able to see the makers signature written in red lacquer and known as a "Shumei" signature.