Japanese Helment (Kabuto). Saotome School Suji Kabuto. Edo Period. Constructed of 62 russet iron plates with standing ridges. The crown is decorated with five layered spacers (Tehen Kunamoto) of shakudo, copper and silver. The sides of the bowl have brackets for holding ornaments (Wakida). The bowl is fitted with a four plate shikoro (neck protector) with tan lacing. The frontal ornament (maedate) is a comma shaped design called tomoe used by clans from early times. The black lacquered mempo has gold trim with four plates with brown and beige lacing. The kabuto is signed: Saotome Iye Toshi. Display stand included.