A13341/1

Japanese helmet (kabuto) from a panoply of Samurai armour (see A13341); probably late Edo period; ridged with many tiny spikes (stylised hair?), with central hole for plume or similar; the metalwork has a coating of dark brown lacquer to decorate and protect the steel from corrosion; the back of the neck is protected by 5 bands of lamellar armour (shikoro), the lower 3 bands have separated away; this neck guard has a pair of projecting turnbacks (fukigayeshi); much of the helmet's textile lining survives; generally the condition of this helmet is poor; the lacquer finish is generally fair, but a section is missing from the brim; considerable conservation would be required to bring this up to display standard.

19th century

Japanese helmet, Japanese armour

metal, lacquer, textile, leather