A rare and impressive nanban kabuto [European style helmet] and mempo [face mask] | Momoyama - Edo period, late 16th - early 17th century

A rare and impressive nanban kabuto [European style helmet] and mempo [face mask]

Momoyama - Edo period, late 16^th - early 17^th century

the fine patinated russet iron nanban bowl with standing rivets and diamond shaped openwork to the apex, inlaid in silver with foliate scrolls in European manner, hammered with a horin [Dharmachakra; dharma wheel], tomoe and manji, nawame fukruin [ornamental border with rope impression], the russet iron mabisashi [peak] with stylised clouds, four-tiered black lacquer shikoro [neck guard] with kebiki-odoshi [close-spaced lacing] with dark blue braid, gold lacquered wood maedate [forecrest] in the form of a squirrel with yak hair tail, inset eyes, the russet iron ressei mempo [face mask with fierce expression] forged with deep wrinkles, flared nostrils and open mouth, silver lacquer teeth, red lacquer interior, four-tiered yodaregake [throat protector] laced in matching braid 

The bowl to peak: 30 cm., 11¾ in.

The shikoro to peak: 35 cm., 13¾ in. 

The mempo: 16.5 cm., 6½ in.