An inlaid iron suji kabuto

Edo period (1615-1868), 17th century

Edo period (1615-1868), 17th century
The russet-iron helmet constructed of 18 vertical plates with standing flanges, the surface of each plate decorated in silver hirazogan with scrolling vines and ginger roots, and the outline of igaki running along the koshimaki, the mabizashi inlaid with clouds, the crown fitted with a two-stage silver and gilt-copper tehen kanamono carved with vines, the bowl mounted with a five-lame solid-plate shikoro lacquered black, trimmed on the lowest lame in horse hair and laced in sugake style in brown silk, the fukigaeshi applied with silvered-metal heraldic crests and trimmed with a gilt-metal fukurin fitted with a maedate of a bonji before a gilt-silver disc encircled by a ring supporting flames in red-lacquered metal
With Tokubetsu Hozon (Especially Worthy of Preservation) certificate no. 12042127 issued by the Kokusai Nihon Kachu Bugu Shinko Kyokai (International Society for the Promotion of Japanese Armor)
7 1/4in (18.4cm) high, the helmet bowl only