War Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara Family

War Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara Family

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The war hat (jingasa) provided moderate protection and was worn when traveling or in camp. Composed of eight overlapping iron plates, this example is enriched with silver and gold damascened dragonflies, and it bears the crest (mon) of the Ogasawara family, lords (daimyō) of Kokura, Buzen (Fukuoka Prefecture).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

War Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara FamilyWar Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara FamilyWar Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara FamilyWar Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara FamilyWar Hat (<i>Jingasa</i>) of the Ogasawara Family

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.