A rare and impressive awabi-nari uchidashi kabuto [a shell-shaped helmet with repoussé] and associated mempo [face mask] | The helmet Momoyama – Edo period, late 16th – early 17th century , the associated mempo later

The Charlier and Cortina Collection of Exotic Samurai Helmets and Armour

A rare and impressive awabi-nari uchidashi kabuto [a shell-shaped helmet with repoussé] and associated mempo [face mask]

The helmet Momoyama – Edo period, late 16th – early 17th century, the associated mempo later

the two-plate iron bowl joined with a central raised ridge and hammered in the form of a shell, the slightly raised peak with red lacquer underside and traces of gold pigment, the red lacquer turnbacks in tataki-nuri, the four-tiered simulated russet iron (sabiji-nuri) lacquered neck guard, the bottom tier in red tataki-nuri with spaced leather lacing, the forecrest (maedate) decorated in gold, red and black lacquer and applied with horse hair in the form of a shikami, red lacquered iron face mask with fierce expression (ressei mempo), deep wrinkles and open mouth, broad horsehair moustache and chin tuft, silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior, three-tiered throat protector with close-spaced lacing (kebiki odoshi) in blue braid, accompanied with a plain wood stand as illustrated

The helmet when mounted on a stand: 54.5 cm., 21½ in. high (including fittings)