Important Gold-lacquered Wood Maedate Featuring An Oni Head - Edo Period (1603-1868).

JAPAN - Edo period (1603-1868).
Important mandate in carved and gold-lacquered wood featuring a long-horned oni head, itself surmounted by a disc.
A restored horn.
Very decorative.
Sold with its storage bag.
Dimensions: 28.5 x 21.5 x 8 cm.
The Kabuto shown in the photos is not sold with the maedate.
Notes: For the samurai, the oni, a demonic creature from Japanese folklore, embodies a formidable force, both destructive and protective. Represented on the maedate, frontal ornament of the helmet (kabuto), it affirms the power and audacity of the warrior, while seeking to intimidate the opponent. An ambivalent figure, the oni can also be invoked as a guardian capable of averting evil influences and protecting its bearer in battle. His presence on the armor thus reflects a desire to impress the enemy and to appropriate the supernatural strength of this creature.