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

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet is in the form of a sumi-zukin (角頭巾), a square hat commonly worn by old men, physicians, and priests. The top of the helmet is lacquered gold in a technique called tataki-nuri, emulating the fabric texture of a sumi-zukin. The front crest (maedate) represents the protective Buddhist deity Acana (known as Fudō Myō-ō in Japan) engulfed in flames. The flame base of the crest is made of wood and is lacquered red with golden accents. The upper part, which holds the figurine of Fudō Myō-ō, is made of a thin sheet of iron which is lacquered red as well. Often, sumi-zukin featured a long cape-like extension at the back, which is indicated here by brown-lacquered nape plates to which once the actual neck guard (shikoro) was attached. This helmet, with its unique design and ostentatious color scheme, represents well the opulent aesthetics of the Momoyama period (1573–1615).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art