Exotic Helmet with Tengu Mask and Crows

19th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Exotic Helmet with Tengu Mask and Crows
Date: 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron
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)
Classification: Helmets
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.133a–d
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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