Lot 308: Japanese Cast Metal Miniature Kabuto Samurai Helmet

A decorative miniature Japanese samurai helmet, known as a kabuto, constructed from cast metal with a dark brown patinated finish. The hachi (helmet bowl) features raised vertical ribs and a central relief-cast floral motif. The fukigaeshi (wing-like ear pieces) are decorated with a relief diamond-lattice pattern and applied gilt-finish chrysanthemum (kiku) crests. The helmet is dressed with twisted orange cordage and matching tassels.

A small white adhesive paper label is present on the interior of one fukigaeshi, which appears to be a modern stock or inventory label reading 12935 and D; the text does not identify a maker. A central perforation is visible at the front of the hachi, designed for the insertion of a decorative front crest (maedate), which is not present.