Helmet kabuto

A helmet kabuto 兜 is of the ko-zunari 古頭形 type, characterised by a simple dome shape that follows the shape of the head. All metal parts are smoothly lacquered with a protective coating of black urushi 漆 lacquer. The construction of the dome consists of larger metal plates, with the longest, central plate, to which the side and front plates are riveted, running down the middle from the vertex to the forehead. The front plates represent the forehead shield mabisashi 眉庇. Attached to the dome are five hanging lamellae shikoro 錣, with silk ribbons, which served to protect the neck as far as the shoulders. A striking feature of the helmet is the shape of the frontal shield, the lower edge of which ends in a slightly pointed part on the front. A rather rare addition are stylised eyebrows in the form of a bamboo leaf. The textile lining ukebari 浮張 protected the samurai’s head from coming into direct contact with metal. The helmet has no temple guards fukikaeshi 吹返.

In the centre of the front part of the helmet, a gilt circle on the urushi lacquer symbolises the sun. The insignia could be related to the nichiren genre of Buddhism, which was already established and widespread in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). This type of insignia could serve as symbolic protection in battle, indicating membership in a particular clan and enabling samurai to distinguish themselves as best they could on the battlefield. As such, they were related to the three-dimensional helmet crests, or maedate 前立, usually religious or heraldic symbols, which could be attached directly to the helmet.

The helmet was created in the Momoyama period (1573–1600), which coincides with a period of warlike conflicts, with the associated increased need for combat equipment. This was reflected in innovative developments and structural simplifications to improve efficiency in use and production. (BŠ, BT)