Maedate For Kabuto Helmet – Edo, Japan

Maedate for kabuto helmet – Edo, Japan
The maedate is worn on the front of the Japanese samurai kabuto helmet. Partly gilded lacquered wood, the backs of the ears covered with animal fur. Representation of an oni, creatures of Japanese folklore. Their appearance varies from source to source, but they usually have a humanoid shape, gigantic size, sharp claws, two protruding horns growing from their foreheads, shaggy hair, and a hideous appearance. In traditional festivals, men in oni costumes often take the lead in the parade to chase away misfortune.
Japanese buildings sometimes include tiles with an oni face called onigawara on their roof to ward off bad luck.
REGION: Japan
MATERIAL: Lacquered wood, peeling
PERIOD: Edo, Early 19th century
DIMENSION: 22 x 30 x 12 cm

(Base)
inventory number: AS021