A zunari kabuto [head-shaped helmet] | Signed Neo Masanobu | Edo period, 18th century

Kobayashi Ryo et al., The Beauty of Japanese Armors: Rare Kabuto (Osaka, 2007), p. 30.

The zunari, or ‘head-shaped’ style helmet bowl is known to have one of the best protective functions among Japanese helmets. Crafted for functionality and with a simplicity of design, the smooth surface on these types of helmets were often ornately decorated in a variety of techniques, such as soft metal inlay or maki-e [lit. sprinkled pictures] in urushi lacquer. Here, this five-plate russet iron ground bowl was forged with the top plate overlapping the frontal plate, the Hachiman-za [decorative component at the apex of the helmet bowl] is pierced with inome [boar’s eye] and the peak fastened with three large circular rivets (sanko no byo). The top of the bowl is inlaid with large dragonflies; although commonly referred to as tonbo in Japanese, they are also known by another name, kachi-mushi [lit. insects of victory], preferred by the samurai class for its auspicious associations in battle. The richly patinated bowl has been applied with creased brown leather to the turnbacks (fukigaeshi) and neck guard (shikoro).