Toppai Kabuto - Beginning Of The Edo Period (early 18th Century).

JAPAN - Early Edo Period (early 17th century). TOPPAI KABUTO (cone-shaped helmet) composed of six wrought iron plates joined by riveted iron bands, the whole very finely inlaid with damascened (nunome) gold and silver carving depicting a dragon in clouds. SHIKORO (neck guard) with four tiers of iron with glossy black lacquer (minor losses) and blue and yellow silk braid. FUKIGAESHI (small wings) with two tiers, one lacquered in glossy black with yellow silk braid, the other encircled with a copper net and covered in deerskin (wear). MABI SA SHI (visor) in inlaid and chiseled wrought iron with a cloud motif. Four-character signature engraved inside. Dimensions: 32 x 38 x 36 cm. Sold with the base. Dimensions with base: 53 x 38 x 36 cm. Can be sold with a gilded wooden maetate depicting a dragon (see last photo). Bibliography: Warrior's Armor, Samurai Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Muller Collection, p. 132.