Lot Essay
The narrow top with gradual expansion in size toward the base and the design of dragons were commonly used in 17th Century Korean helmets. The forward piece below the peak forms into three curves. This method was accomplished and used since the mid 17th Century.
A similar example is illustrated in the catalogue Korean Art (Victoria and Albert Museum, London), p.114, pl. 51. It states that the piece in the Victoria and Albert Museum, according to the museum record, used to belong to a Korean prince which was taken by the Prince of Hizen during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's expedition in 1594. It further states that the fine silver-inlaid dragons supports the claim that its owner was a prince or high-born military leader.
Sold in the collection of Doctor Mene, part I on 21 April 1913. The piece is illustrated in the catalogue with neckguard, p.46, lot 116.
We are grateful to Dr. Lee Kang-Chil for his research.
A similar example is illustrated in the catalogue Korean Art (Victoria and Albert Museum, London), p.114, pl. 51. It states that the piece in the Victoria and Albert Museum, according to the museum record, used to belong to a Korean prince which was taken by the Prince of Hizen during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's expedition in 1594. It further states that the fine silver-inlaid dragons supports the claim that its owner was a prince or high-born military leader.
Sold in the collection of Doctor Mene, part I on 21 April 1913. The piece is illustrated in the catalogue with neckguard, p.46, lot 116.
We are grateful to Dr. Lee Kang-Chil for his research.