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Helmet Crest (Maidate)

18th–19th century
Not on view
This crest made in the form of a gohei, the ancient ceremonial wand that is a central element in Shintō ritual, is purely Shintō in its inspiration. The traditional gohei is a staff adorned with pleated paper or cloth streamers, which are usually white but may also be black, silver, gold, or other colors. The gohei is used to perform ritual purifications of individuals as well as of votive offerings and is imbued with protective powers. As a prelude to worship the gohei</i.> draws the attention of the god to the shrine and during the ritual represents the presence and power of the divinity itself.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Helmet Crest (Maidate)
  • Date: 18th–19th century
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Wood, copper, gold, lacquer, pigments, silver, textile
  • Dimensions: H. 15 in. (38.1 cm); W. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
  • Classification: Helmet Crests
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.240
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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