Helmet (<i>Kawari-Kabuto</i>) in the Shape of a Wave
17th century; restorations, 2015
Medium
Iron, textile, lacquer, copper, gold, leather, silk, wood
Dimensions
Helmet (a): H. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); D. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 8 oz. (2044 g); crest (b): H. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); W. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); Wt. 0.7 oz. (19.8 g)
Classification
Helmets
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Accession Number
2018.833.8a, b
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Kawari-Kabuto* helmet in the shape of a crashing ocean wave, crafted by the skilled Japanese armorer Hiromichi Miura in the 17th. This extraordinary piece from the Edo period (160–1868) exemplifies the *kawari-kabuto* tradition—elaborate, fantastical helmets that transcended mere protection to become symbols of status and artistry among samurai warriors. Measuring about 17½ inches high and wide, its undulating iron form captures the dynamic motion of waves, adorned with lacquer, gold, copper, and silk for a shimmering, lifelike effect. Forged primarily from iron with reinforcement...