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This helmet crest (maidate) is in the form of a kirin. In Taoism the kirin is one of the four supernatural creatures, along with the dragon, the phoenix, and the thousand-year tortoise (Japanese, minogame). The kirin is sometimes considered the embodiment of the five elements (water, fire, wood, metal, and earth) and the most perfect animal in creation.
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Title: Helmet Crest (Maidate)
Date: 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Copper, gold, brass, silver
Dimensions: H. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); D. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Wt. 8.9 oz. (253 g)
Classification: Helmet Crests
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number: 36.25.242
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