三十八間総覆輪筋兜
38-Plate Gilt-Edged Ribbed Sujikabuto Helmet

A helmet worn by Mogami Yoshiaki, said to have been a gift from Oda Nobunaga. The helmet bowl is an elegant example of craftsmanship from the early Muromachi period, while features including the shikoro (neckguard) and mabisashi (helmet visor) were reformed during Yoshiaki’s lifetime, when the “sparrows and bamboo” Mogami family crest was also added to the stylized helmet decoration. Worn by Yoshiaki during the Battle of Hasedō in 1600, the helmet was struck by an enemy bullet, but protected Yoshiaki from harm. A testament to the fierceness of the fighting, the helmet still bears the marks of this bullet. Weight, 3.1 kg.
*The twin horned crest and central sword-shaped fixture were restored in March, 2008.(L)