Early to Mid-Edo (17th/18th Century)
Momonari Kabuto with Crab Arms Wakidate Mid-Edo Period (late 17th, early 18th century)
This Nanban influenced peach-shaped helmet made of solid iron is decorated with rivets on the edges and mounted with six-lame Shikkoro lacquered in Byakudan Urushi Nuri, which is the silver variation of the Kin Byakudan, and blue lacing. It is decorated with two golden lacquered wooden carved Crab Arm Wakidate.
What is very special about this piece is that we can see how Japanese Armourer used animals – here, for example, a Japanese giant crab – for inspiration. These kinds of decorations often can be found on these so-called Kawari Kabutos (translated: strange helmets / 変わり兜)
THE FUTAGO COLLECTION 