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Beginning in the sixteenth century, armorers contrived eccentrically shaped helmets (kawari kabuto), sometimes fashioned of papier-mâché mixed with lacquer, or, as here, entirely of iron. Their shapes often were inspired by images from traditional Japanese culture and mythology. Here, the face is the mythical tengu (mischievous mountain spirit) with a beak-shaped mouth, flanked on each side by embossed crows.

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Details

  • Title: Helmet with Tengu Mask and Crows
  • Date Created: 19th century
  • Physical Dimensions: helmet (a): H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); D. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 13.6 oz. (1746 g); front crest (b): H. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); D. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 8.3 oz. (235 g); right crest (c): H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); D. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); Wt. 5.3 oz. (150 g); left crest (d): H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm); Wt. 5.7 oz. (162 g)
  • Type: Helmet
  • External Link: http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24000
  • Medium: Iron
  • Repository: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
  • Culture: Japanese

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