Kawari kabuto, or “extravagant helmet”, with mask

During the Momoyama Period (1573-1603), a time of intense clashes between feudal lords, some warriors began using particularly elaborate helmets to be recognized during combat.
This helmet with long buffalo horns and ears, complete with a devilish mask, was made with the harikake technique, a sort of lacquered papier-mâché reinforced with wood and leather. The circled clover crest on both elements was used by the Sakai clan.