Suji-bachi Kabuto

Suji-bachi Kabuto

• Type: Suji-bachi kabuto (helmet with riveted slats and visible ridges)
• Period: Late Muromachi / Momoyama period (16th century) to early Edo period (17th century)
• The stamp (Hachi): The helmet’s cup is forged from several curved vertical iron plates. The edges of these plates are carefully folded outward to form protruding ribs (suji), reinforcing the structure against impact while displaying a sober and rigorous aesthetic.
• The crown (Tehen): The crown of the helmet features a traditional circular opening, elegantly adorned with a wrought metal eyelet (tehen no kanamono).
• The visor (Mabizashi): Attached to the front, the iron visor is covered with a magnificent black-and-gold lacquer finish created using the maki-e technique. The refined decoration depicts traditional motifs of stylized clouds enveloping a mythical creature (a dragon or a phoenix).
• Condition: The patina on the helmet attests to the age of the iron piece. Note that the lacquered plate neck guard (shikoro), usually laced at the base of the helmet, is missing here, which fully highlights the forging work of the main structure.