This kawari kabuto, or “strange helmet,” sporting two stag antlers is a reproduction by Takatsu Sousyokubijyutu Co., Ltd. and has a height of 63cm.
This kind of helmet was worn by prominent warriors as depicted in the “Folding Screen of Scenes from the Summer Siege of Osaka Castle” (Osaka Natsu no Jin Byobu). The 8-meter long 6-panel folding screen records the battle between the forces of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Toyotomi clan.
A team of painters observed the battle that took place on May 7, 1615 and then painted the screen. Over 5000 people are depicted on the screen and some of the high-ranking soldiers are wearing stag antlers helmets on their heads.
The display was part of “The Spirit of Budo Expo: The History of Japan’s Martial Arts“ held in 2012 at G23 Art Gallery in Bangkok, Thailand. Watch the video below for more details:
