Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)

Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet’s distinct shape gained popularity among the samurai beginning in the late sixteenth century, and is based on high-ranking Chinese Tang dynasty courtiers’ traditional headwear, called kanmuri in Japan. Contrary to most known examples of this type, the bowl is not smooth but worked into a series of ornamental ribs.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</i>)Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (<i>Tōkan-Nari</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.