Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (Tōkan-Nari)

helmet, late 16th–early 17th century; crest, 18th century

Not on view

This helmet’s distinct shape gained popularity among the samurai beginning in the late sixteenth century, and is based on high-ranking Chinese Tang dynasty courtiers’ traditional headwear, called kanmuri in Japan. Contrary to most known examples of this type, the bowl is not smooth but worked into a series of ornamental ribs.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Helmet in the Shape of a Chinese Courtier’s Hat (Tōkan-Nari)
Date: helmet, late 16th–early 17th century; crest, 18th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron, copper, gold, brass, wood, lacquer, leather, silk, horsehair
Dimensions: H. 16 in. (40.6 cm); W. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm); D. 11 in. (27.9 cm); Wt. 5 lb. 6.5 oz. (2452.2 g); helmet (a); H. 11 in. (27.9 cm); crest (b); H. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); W. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm)
Classification: Helmets
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Object Number: 2018.833.14a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Helmet in the Shape of a Crouching Rabbit, Iron, lacquer, silver, gold, leather, silk, Japanese — Helmet in the Shape of a Crouching Rabbit
Japanese
17th century

Helmet (<i>Hoshi- Kabuto</i>) in the 16th-Century Style, Saotome Ienari Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, Japanese — Helmet (*Hoshi- Kabuto*) in the 16th-Century Style
Saotome Ienari
probably late 17th–early 18th century

Armor (<i>Yoroi</i>) of Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358), Iron, lacquer, leather, silk, gilt copper, Japanese — Armor (*Yoroi*) of Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358)
Japanese
early 14th century

Helmet, Iron, copper, gold, Japanese — Helmet
Japanese
5th century

Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
Japanese
16th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.