A kawari kabuto [unusually shaped helmet] and mempo [face mask] | Edo period, 17th - 18th century

The Charlier and Cortina Collection of Exotic Samurai Helmets and Armour

A kawari kabuto [unusually shaped helmet] and mempo [face mask]

Edo period, 17^th - 18^th century 

the black lacquered iron bowl in the form of a crab claw, the black lacquered peak with hammered brow, the turnbacks pierced with Nine Luminaries crests (kuyo mon), the black lacquer neck guard laced with close-spaced variegated lacing (iroiro odoshi) in orange and white braid, gilt wood forecrest (maedate) in the form of the character ‘dai’, the simulated russet iron (sabiji-nuri) lacquered iron face mask with fierce expression (ressei mempo), wrinkled face and open mouth, detachable nose plate, silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior the three-tiered throat protector laced in matching braid, accompanied with a plain wood stand as illustrated

The helmet when mounted on a stand: 53 cm., 20⅞ in. high (including fittings)