Japanese Circa 1790 Samurai Kabuto Helmet

The exterior of the helmet shell, or bachi, is very clean, showing expected signs of age and with some age crazing of the reddish brown lacquer finish.. The helmet is in the zunari style, comprised of five separate sections. The front of the helmet displays a maedate, or front crest, comprised of three red and gilt hexagons, likely a family crest. The lower rear of the helmet has four shikoro, or narrow parallel horizontal plates, for protection of the wearer’s neck. The plates, like the helmet shell, are dark reddish brown  in color, with intact fabric cords securing the plates. The well-made but replaced interior cloth liner and leather is intact, as are the fabric chin cords for securing the helmet in wear. Overall the helmet is in excellent condition and it makes an impressive appearance.