DRAGON ARMOUR HELMET (AH2314) CAS Hanwei

The original of the kabuto (helmet) of the Dragon Armour (AH2193) is interesting inasmuch as the bowl of the helmet came from the Momoyama period. The suji bachi style of bowl, with overlapped and riveted plates was typical of the finest helmet makers (katchu-shi) of this period, borne out by the signature of the Saotome smith “Ienao” on the back plate. The menpo (mask) is a typical ressei men of the type made in Nara. Mounted on a solid wood display stand, this helmet will be an outstanding addition to any collection and will complement any décor beautifully.

The museum-quality reproductions of these archaeological treasures have been hand crafted by the metalsmiths of Hanwei with exacting attention to detail. The helmets are leather lined and fully wearable and are supplied with a beautiful wood display stand.

THE JAPANESE KABUTO & MENPO
These types of helmets feature overlapped and riveted plates typical of the finest helmet makers (Katchu-shi) of the Momoyama period (1573-1615). The Kabuto (helmet) actually consists of two pieces; the hachi (bowl) and the shikoro (nape-guard.)
The Menpo (mask)is a typical Ressei Men (half mask)of the type made in Nara. Menpo meaning face and cheek, generally used for masks with nose pieces. Ressei Men meaning of fierce or savage expression. The mask is known by many other names as well including, mengu, menpo, mempo, men yoroi, katchu men.

In general there are 4 different types of masks:
Happuri - the mask protects the whole face and only has a center opening for nose,eyes and the mouth
Hoate - the mask only protects the cheeks
Somen - the mask is covering the entire face
Menpo - the most common known today and covers everything below the eyes, including the nose