Helmet (Kabuto)
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Iron, lacquer, silk, brass
Dimensions
9 in. (22.8 cm); 15 in. (38.1 cm).
Classification
Helmets
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1906
Accession Number
06.45
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Kabuto*, or samurai helmet, hails from 17th-century Japan during the Edo period—a time of relative peace when samurai culture flourished through art, ceremony, and tradition. Crafted by an unknown master armorer, it exemplifies the fusion of functionality and artistry in Japanese arms and armor. Standing about 9 inches tall and 15 inches wide its imposing form was designed to protect warriors on the battlefield while projecting status and intimidation. Forged from iron for strength, the helmet is adorned with lac for a glossy, weather-resistant finish—a hallmark Japanese techn...