Lot Essay
Helmets of unusual shape were first encountered during the latter half of the 16th century. The fashion of the period was for simple helmets which could be speedily made, but men of rank needed to be recognised and so, initially, these simple helmets were decorated with extravogant crests or had elaborate shapes built on them in leather, wood and paper. Many others had the form cruedly modelled in iron which was then filled, moulded and finished with lacquer to obtain the required shape.
The armourer who made this fine example has taken great care with forging the metal, obviously at the direction of his patron, and has not used any lacquer to improve his modelling. The base surfaces have been decorated with iron overlay whilst the details of the butterfly itself has been picked out in soft metal inlay to produce this effect. Originally the helmet would have been fitted with a simple neckguard which would have laid close to the neck and the lower plate would have been curved over the shoulders [hineno jikoro].
The armourer who made this fine example has taken great care with forging the metal, obviously at the direction of his patron, and has not used any lacquer to improve his modelling. The base surfaces have been decorated with iron overlay whilst the details of the butterfly itself has been picked out in soft metal inlay to produce this effect. Originally the helmet would have been fitted with a simple neckguard which would have laid close to the neck and the lower plate would have been curved over the shoulders [hineno jikoro].