Phoenix Shaped Metal Maedate. Japan Edo Period.

Rare maedate (frontal element of the Japanese helmet) representing a Ho-oh (phoenix). The bird is in cut, embossed and chiseled copper. Red oxide patina, gilding and silvering. Metal maedates are very rare and almost always made of iron. The most common, without much interest, are made of wood. This one is an exceptional model in terms of material and quality. The subject is interesting, and its shape elegantly occupies the allocated space. Before I met him, poor Maedate had been crucified on a wooden board, that's why it's pierced with small holes that you can see in the photos. The reverse is well finished and gilded. Some feathers are movable. Good condition, the patina is little worn as shown in the photos. Missing the mounting hoop, on the reverse, the location of which is marked by 2 holes. Note that the helmet that presented it is not for sale. Edo period. Probably 19th century but possibly earlier. Width about 17cm.