Helmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a Dragonfly

Helmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a Dragonfly

Hiromichi Miura

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A favorite emblem of the samurai, the dragonfly was known as kachi-mushi ("victorious insect") and was respected for its hunting technique: flying directly forward toward its prey, never wavering from its path. Dragonflies most often appear as the crest on the front of the helmet (maedate). On this unusual example, a large and detailed rendition of the creature instead surmounts the helmet’s bowl, which is adorned with clouds, suggesting flight.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Helmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a DragonflyHelmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a DragonflyHelmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a DragonflyHelmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a DragonflyHelmet (<i>Kawari-kabuto</i>) Surmounted by a Dragonfly

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.