Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)

Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)

Yoshihisa

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The helmet bears the signatures of the armorer, Yoshihisa, who lived in Uda, in Echizen Province (modern Fukui Prefecture), and of the decorator, Nobumasa, also of Echizen. The Yoshihisa lineage of armorers came to Echizen province in the late 16th century where it produced armors, tsuba (sword guards), okimono (ornaments), and other iron/steel objects for eleven generations until the end of the Edo period. The first master, whose real name was Ide Kozaemon (Yoshihisa was the name he used as an armorer) and who was most likely the maker of this helmet, died in 1664.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)Helmet (<i>Suji Kabuto</i>)

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.