View source for Kabuto

{{Short description|Japanese combat helmet}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2010}}
{{Italic title|reason=[[:Category:Japanese words and phrases]]}}
[[File:F-19987 E0022624.jpg|thumb|''[[Dō-maru]]'' ''kabuto''. [[Muromachi period]], 15th century, [[Tokyo National Museum]], [[Important Cultural Property (Japan)|Important Cultural Property]]]]
[[File:南蛮胴具足の兜.jpg|thumb|''Kabuto'' of ''gusoku'' (''Tosei-gusoku'') armor European-style [[cuirass]], 16th - 17th century, [[Azuchi-Momoyama period|Azuchi-Momoyama]] - [[Edo period]], Tokyo National Museum]]

'''''{{lang|ja-latn|Kabuto}}''''' (兜, 冑) is a type of [[helmet]] first used by ancient Japanese warriors that, in later periods, became an important part of the traditional [[Japanese armour]] worn by the [[samurai]] class and their retainers in [[History of Japan#Medieval Japan (1185–1573/1600)|feudal Japan]].

Note that in the [[Japanese language]], the word {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} is an appellative, not a type description, and can refer to any [[combat helmet]].

Every year on [[Children's Day (Japan)|Children's Day]], May 5, Japanese households display miniature kabuto and samurai armor in keeping with the tradition of ''[[Tango no Sekku]]''. In feudal times, real samurai armor, ''kabuto'', and ''[[tachi]]'' were displayed.<ref name="yurai">{{cite web|url=https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/75943/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204195601/https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/75943/|script-title=ja:五月人形と鯉のぼりの由来|language=ja|publisher=Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World|archive-date=4 February 2023|access-date=4 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="kiso">{{cite web|url=https://www.touken-world.jp/gogatsu-dolls/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204203827/https://www.touken-world.jp/gogatsu-dolls/|script-title=ja:五月人形の基礎知識|language=ja|publisher=Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World|date=|archive-date=4 February 2023|access-date=4 February 2023}}</ref>

==History==
Japanese helmets dating from the fifth century have been found in excavated tombs. Called {{lang|ja-latn|mabizashi-tsuke kabuto}} (attached-visor helmet), the style of these kabuto came from China and Korea. They had a pronounced central ridge.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FxTNBAAJaqEC&q=mabizashi+kabuto&pg=PA45 |title=Early Samurai: 200-1500 AD |last=Bryant |first=Anthony J. |others=Angus McBride, Ill. |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=1991 |page=45 |isbn=9781855321311 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IQ3FAZG94ZsC&q=kabuto&pg=PA26 |title=Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior |last=Sinclaire |first=Clive |publisher=Globe Pequot Press |year=2004 |page=26|isbn=9781592287208 }}</ref>

{{lang|ja-latn|Kabuto}}, now known as samurai helmets, first appeared in the 10th&nbsp;century [[Heian period]] with the appearance of ''[[ō-yoroi]]''. Until the early [[Muromachi period]], {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} were made by combining dozens of thin iron plates. Generally, only [[daimyo]] and samurai at the rank of commander wore {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} ornaments called {{lang|ja-latn|datemono}} (立物), which were shaped like a pair of [[Hoe (tool)|hoes]]. In the middle of the Muromachi period, as the number of large group battles increased, ordinary samurai wore {{lang|ja-latn|datemono}} in the shape of a hoe, the sun, the moon, or their flag on their {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} to show their courage or to distinguish friend from foe.<ref name ="fcm092">[https://web.archive.org/web/20210418211258/http://museum.city.fukuoka.jp/archives/leaflet/092/index.html 変わり兜展.] [[Fukuoka City Museum]]</ref><ref name ="ntw11362">[https://web.archive.org/web/20210518141626/https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/11362/ 変わり兜] Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum "Nagoya Touken World"</ref>

In the [[Sengoku period]] in the 16th century, when the scale of war increased and the guns called {{lang|ja-latn|[[Tanegashima (gun)|tanegashima]]}} became popular, the armor styles called {{lang|ja-latn|ō-yoroi}} and {{lang|ja-latn|[[dō-maru]]}} became outdated. As a response to the popularity of {{lang|ja-latn|tanegashima}}, the armor style of {{lang|ja-latn|tosei-gusoku}} ({{lang|ja|当世具足}}) was created. {{lang|ja-latn|Tosei-gusoku kabuto}} were made by combining three to four pieces of iron plates. These were more bulletproof than the conventional style and could be mass produced. The {{lang|ja-latn|tatemono}} became more eccentric and huge. Some were made of iron, but for safety reasons on the battlefield, they were often made with molded, [[Japanese lacquerware|lacquer-coated]] paper. In the [[Azuchi–Momoyama period]], {{lang|ja-latn|tosei-gusoku kabuto}} had a simple, bold design in accordance with the popularity of Momoyama culture.<ref name ="fcm092"/><ref name ="ntw11362"/><ref name ="fcm513"/>

In the [[Edo period]], the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] defeated the [[Toyotomi clan]] in the [[Summer Siege of Osaka]]. Japanese society became more peaceful and medieval armor styles were revived. {{lang|ja-latn|Ō{{nbh}}yoroi}}- and {{lang|ja-latn|dō{{nbh}}maru}}{{nbh}}style {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} were made again.<ref name ="fcm513">[https://megalodon.jp/2020-0711-0015-15/museum.city.fukuoka.jp/archives/leaflet/513/index.html 甲冑に見る江戸時代展5 武士と武人の甲冑像] Fukuoka City Museum</ref> Ornamental ''kawari kabuto'' ("strange helmet") were made during this time that had "figures of [[Animal|animals]], [''[[kami]]''], or various other objects mounted on top of them".<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture: From the Age of Musashi to Contemporary Pop Culture |publisher=[[Tuttle Publishing]] |others=Foreword by Alexander Bennett |year=2022 |isbn=978-4-8053-1659-7 |location=North Clarendon, Vermont |pages=78}}</ref> ''Kabuto'' during this time were made "from materials including [[iron]], [[gold]]-[[copper]] [[alloy]], [[lacquer]], [[leather]], [[silk]], [[wood]], [[gesso]], [[bone]][,] and gesso [[Binder (material)|binder]]".<ref name=":0" />

The kabuto was an important part of the equipment of the samurai, and played a symbolic role as well, which may explain the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] expressions, sayings, and codes related to them. For instance, {{lang|ja-latn|Katte kabuto no o wo shimeyo}} translates literally to "Tighten the string of the kabuto after winning the war". This refers to not reducing one's efforts after success; an equivalent saying in English would be "Don't rest on your laurels".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170721122601/http://www.weblio.jp/content/%E5%8B%9D%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E5%85%9C%E3%81%AE%E7%B7%92%E3%82%92%E7%B7%A0%E3%82%81%E3%82%88 勝って兜の緒を締めよ] weblio国語辞典</ref> {{lang|ja-latn|Kabuto wo nugu}} (lit. "to take off the kabuto") means "to surrender".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190716152335/https://www.weblio.jp/content/%E5%85%9C%E3%82%92%E8%84%B1%E3%81%90 兜を脱ぐ] weblio国語辞典</ref>
<gallery widths="170" heights="170">
File:F-20153 E0022664.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Dō-maru kabuto}}. Muromachi period, 15th century, Tokyo National Museum, Important Cultural Property
File:朱漆塗矢筈札紺糸素懸威具足2.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Gusoku kabuto}}. Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th–17th century, [[Suntory Museum of Art]]
File:黒糸威二枚胴具足の兜.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Gusoku kabuto}}, attributed to [[Sakakibara Yasumasa]]. Edo period, 17th century, Tokyo National Museum, Important Cultural Property
File:Samurai kabuto with octopus.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Kawari kabuto}} with octopus. 18th century, Edo period. [[Stibbert Museum]]
File:Fancy Kabuto with Tokugawa Clan Crest and Design of Butterflies and Dragonflies. 18th centyry, Edo period. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.jpg|Fancy ''Kabuto'' with [[Tokugawa clan|Tokugawa Clan]] [[Mon (emblem)|Crest]] and Design of Butterflies and Dragonflies. Edo period, 18th century. [[Tokyo Fuji Art Museum]]
File:F-17277 C0079612.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Dō-maru}} style {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} with a medieval revival style. Edo period, 19th century, Tokyo National Museum.
</gallery>
{{-}}

==Parts of the ''kabuto''==
{{Commons category-inline|Kabuto (individual parts)}}
[[File:Kabuto basic parts.jpg|thumb|{{ordered list|hachi|shikoro|fukigaeshi|mae-zashi|hari-date|datemono|hachimanza}}]]
The basic parts of the kabuto include:
*{{lang|ja-latn|Hachi}}, a dome composed of overlapping elongated plates called {{lang|ja-latn|tate hagi-no-ita}}
*{{lang|ja-latn|Tehen}}, a small opening at the top of the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}, usually fitted with a {{lang|ja-latn|tehen kanamono}} (an ornamental grommet, often resembling a [[chrysanthemum]])
*{{lang|ja-latn|Mabizashi}}, a brim or visor on the front of the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}
*{{lang|ja-latn|Ukebari}}, a cloth lining inside the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}
*{{lang|ja-latn|Tsunamoto}}, mounting points for attaching [[crest (heraldry)|crests]]
*{{lang|ja-latn|Kasa jirushi no kan}}, a ring at the back of the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}} for securing a {{lang|ja-latn|kasa jirushi}} (helmet flag)
*{{lang|ja-latn|Fukigaeshi}}, wing-like or ear-like projections to the sides of the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}
*{{lang|ja-latn|Shikoro}}, a suspended neck guard composed of multiple overlapping lames
*{{lang|ja-latn|Shinobi-no-o}} (chin cord), often used to secure the {{lang|ja-latn|[[mengu]]}} (facial armour)

A typical {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} features a central dome constructed of anywhere from three to over a hundred metal plates riveted together. These were usually arranged vertically, radiating from a small opening in the top. The rivets securing these metal plates to each other could be raised (a form known as {{lang|ja-latn|hoshi-bachi}}) or hammered flat (a form known as {{lang|ja-latn|suji-bachi}}); another form, called {{lang|ja-latn|hari bachi}}, had the rivets filed flush. Some of the finer {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}} were signed by their makers, usually from one of several known families, such as the Myochin, Saotome, Haruta, Unkai, or Nagasone families.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}

[[File:Jidai Matsuri 2009 228.jpg|thumb|A {{lang|ja-latn|suji bachi}} {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} with the cords tied under the chin; note the prominent front crest, the recurving {{lang|ja-latn|fukigaeshi}}, and the {{lang|ja-latn|shikoro}} composed of hundreds of interlaced scales]]
A small opening in the top of the {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}}, called the {{lang|ja-latn|tehen}} or {{lang|ja-latn|hachimanza}} (seat of the war god, [[Hachiman]]), was thought{{according to whom|date=April 2013}} to be for passing the warrior's [[Chonmage|top knot]] through. Although this practice was largely abandoned after the [[Muromachi period]], this opening may have been retained for purposes of ventilation or simply as an artifact of how the plates were riveted together.<ref name=ThomasIto>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wExlaM1ov0sC |title=Samurai: The Code of the Warrior |last1=Louis |first1=Thomas |last2=Ito |first2=Tommy |year=2006 |publisher=Sterling Publishing Co. |location=New York |page=94|isbn=9781402763120 }}</ref> The {{lang|ja-latn|tehen}} was usually decorated with {{lang|ja-latn|tehen kanamono}}, which were rings of intricately worked, soft metal bands often resembling a chrysanthemum.<ref name=ThomasIto /><ref name=RattiWestbrook>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9lmmkvQOpoC |title=Secrets of the samurai: a survey of the martial arts of feudal Japan |last1=Ratti |first1=Oscar |last2=Westbrook |first2=Adele |year=1973 |publisher=Tuttle Publishing |location=Boston, Massachusetts |page=211|isbn=9780804816847 }}</ref> {{lang|ja-latn|Zunari kabuto}} and {{lang|ja-latn|momonari kabuto}} were two helmet forms that did not usually have an opening at the top.

{{lang|ja-latn|Kabuto}} incorporated a suspended neck guard called a {{lang|ja-latn|shikoro}}, usually composed of three to seven semicircular, lacquered metal or oxhide [[Lame (armor)|lames]], attached and articulated by silk or leather lacing, although some {{lang|ja-latn|shikoro}} were composed of 100 or more small metal scales in a row.<ref>The Encyclopedia Americana: a library of universal knowledge, Volume 15 p.774</ref> This [[lamellar armour]] style, along with {{lang|ja-latn|[[Kusari (Japanese mail armour)|kusari]]}} (mail armour), was the standard technology of Japanese body armour, and some {{lang|ja-latn|shikoro}} were made of mail sewn to a cloth lining (a form called {{lang|ja-latn|kusari shikoro}}).

The {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} was secured to the head by a chin cord called {{lang|ja-latn|shinobi-no-o}}, which would usually be tied to posts or hooks on the {{lang|ja-latn|[[mengu]]}} (facial armour) or simply tied under the chin.

{{lang|ja-latn|Kabuto}} are often adorned with [[crest (heraldry)|crests]] called {{lang|ja-latn|datemono}} or {{lang|ja-latn|tatemono}};<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPw7m2qrRloC&pg=PA25 |title=Samurai 1550-1600 |last=Bryant |first=Anthony J. |others=Angus McBride, Illust. |year=1994 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=Oxford |page=25|isbn=9781855323452 }}</ref> the four types of decorations were the {{lang|ja-latn|maedate}} (frontal decoration), {{lang|ja-latn|wakidate}} (side decorations), {{lang|ja-latn|kashiradate}} (top decoration), and {{lang|ja-latn|ushirodate}} (rear decoration). These can be family crests (mon), or flat or sculptural objects representing animals, mythical entities, prayers or other symbols. Horns are particularly common, and many kabuto incorporate {{lang|ja-latn|kuwagata}}, stylized antlers.

<gallery>
File:Formen des Hoshi Kabuto.jpg|Various {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}} shapes:{{ordered list|{{lang|ja-latn|Nari akoda}}|{{lang|ja-latn|Goshozan}}|{{lang|ja-latn|Heichozan}}|{{lang|ja-latn|Koseizan}}|{{lang|ja-latn|Tenkokuzan}}|{{lang|ja-latn|Zenshozan}}}}
File:Nami-gata tate hagi-no ita.JPG|Many wavy shaped {{lang|ja-latn|hagi-no-ita}} plates form a {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}. A colourful {{lang|ja-latn|tehen kanamono}} can be seen at the top.
File:Kasa jirushi no kan 1.JPG|{{lang|ja-latn|Kasa jirushi no kan}}, a ring for securing a {{lang|ja-latn|kasa jirushi}} (helmet flag) to the {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}}
File:Shikoro.JPG|Lacquered iron {{lang|ja-latn|shikoro}} (neck guard)
File:Japanese armor guimet.jpg|The {{lang|ja-latn|fukigaeshi}} can be seen to both sides of the {{lang|ja-latn|mabizashi}} (brim), and the {{lang|ja-latn|shinobi-no-o}} (cord) secures the {{lang|ja-latn|mengu}} (facial armour).
File:Maedate, c. 1800-1894.jpg|Maedate, {{circa|1800}}–1894, from the Oxford College Archives of [[Emory University]]
File:Maedate.JPG|Various {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto maedate}} (front crests)
File:Maedate tsunamoto.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Maedate tsunamoto}} (mounting point for front crest)
File:Wakidate tsunamoto.JPG|{{lang|ja-latn|Wakidate tsunamoto}} (mounting point for side crest)
</gallery>

==Types of ''kabuto''==
[[File:Suji kabuto Met 14.100.160.jpg|thumb|A {{lang|ja-latn|suji bachi kabuto}}]]

===''Suji bachi kabuto''===
{{lang|ja-latn|Suji bachi kabuto}} is a multiple-plate type of Japanese helmet with raised ridges or ribs showing where the helmet plates come together; the rivets may be filed flat or they may be left showing, as in the {{lang|ja-latn|hoshi-bachi kabuto}}.

===''Hoshi-bachi kabuto''===
{{lang|ja-latn|Hoshi-bachi kabuto}} (star helmet bowl) with protruding rivet heads, have large rivets ({{lang|ja-latn|o-boshi}}), small rivets ({{lang|ja-latn|ko-boshi}}) and a rivet with a chrysantemoid-shaped washer at its base ({{lang|ja-latn|za-boshi}}). {{lang|ja-latn|Hoshi-bachi kabuto}} could also be {{lang|ja-latn|suji bachi kabuto}} if there were raised ribs or ridges showing where the helmet plates came together.

===''Hari bachi kabuto''===
{{lang|ja-latn|Hari bachi kabuto}} is multiple-plate Japanese {{lang|ja-latn|hachi}} with no ribs or ridges showing where the helmet plates come and the rivets are filed flush.

===''Zunari kabuto''===
[[File:Zunari kabuto1.JPG|thumb|Edo period iron {{lang|ja-latn|zunari kabuto}}]]
The {{lang|ja-latn|zunari kabuto}} is a simple, five-plate design.

===''Tatami kabuto''===
A great number of simpler, lightweight, folding, portable armours for lower-ranking samurai and foot soldiers ({{lang|ja-latn|[[ashigaru]]}}) were also produced. These were called {{lang|ja-latn|tatami}} armour, and some featured collapsible {{lang|ja-latn|tatami kabuto}} (also called {{lang|ja-latn|choshin-kabuto}}), made from articulated lames.<ref name=RattiWestbrook /><ref>Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan - Page 279 Asiatic Society of Japan - 1881.</ref><ref>Arms and Armor of the Samurai Ian Bottomley, Anthony Hopson Random House Value Publishing, 1993 p.92</ref> {{lang|ja-latn|Tatami kabuto}} did not use rivets in their construction; instead, lacing or chain mail was used to connect the pieces to each other.

===''Kaji kabuto''===
{{lang|ja-latn|Kaji kabuto}} were a type of helmet worn by samurai firemen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kcpinternational.com/2013/08/the-samurai-facial-armor-and-helmet/|title=The Samurai Facial Armor and Helmet|last=Yasuka|first= |date=2013-08-26|website=KCP International|language=en|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref>

===''Jingasa''===
{{lang|ja-latn|Jingasa}} were war hats made in a variety of shapes, worn by {{lang|ja-latn|ashigaru}} (foot soldiers) and samurai, which could be made from leather or metal.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i0ni1NmbYe0C&q=jingasa+helmets&pg=PA172 |title=Handbook to life in medieval and early modern Japan |last=Deal |first=William E. |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-533126-4 |page=172}}</ref>

===''Kawari kabuto'', or strange helmet===
During the [[Momoyama period]] of intense civil warfare, kabuto were made to a simpler design of three or four plates, lacking many of the ornamental features of earlier helmets. To offset the plain, utilitarian form of the new helmet, and to provide visibility and presence on the battlefield, armorers began to build fantastic shapes on top of the simple helmets in {{lang|ja-latn|harikake}} (papier-mâché mixed with lacquer over a wooden armature), though some were constructed entirely of iron. These shapes mimicked forms from Japanese culture and mythology, including fish, cow horns, the head of the god of longevity, bolts of silk, head scarves, [[Battle of Ichi-no-Tani|Ichi-no-Tani]] canyon, and axe heads, among many others. Some forms were realistically rendered, while others took on a very futuristic, modernist feel.

<gallery>
File:MAP Expo Oitaragainari kawari kabuto XVII 02 01 2012.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Harikake kabuto}}, a type of {{lang|ja-latn|kawari kabuto}} which used papier-mâché mixed with lacquer for the elaborate decoration (the shell) on an iron bowl, beginning of the Edo Period, 17th century . Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Dallas (Texas)
File:Helmet MET DT305558.jpg|A Kofun period (fifth century) early {{lang|ja-latn|kabuto}} made of iron and gilt copper, from [[Ise Province]]
File:Antique_Japanese_(samurai)_za-boshi_suji_bachi_kabuto.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Za-boshi kabuto}} (chrysantemoid-shaped washer at the base of the rivet). This is also a {{lang|ja-latn|suji bachi kabuto}}, as it has raised ridges.
File:Eboshi kabuto 1.JPG|{{lang|ja-latn|Eboshi kabuto}}
File:Eboshi kabuto, yokohagi okegawa dou.jpg|{{lang|ja-latn|Eboshi kabuto}}
File:Kaji kabuto.JPG|{{lang|ja-latn|Kaji kabuto}}
File:Nerigawa toppai jingassa.JPG|{{lang|ja-latn|Jingasa, ashigaru}} type, constructed from hardened leather ({{lang|ja-latn|nerigawa}})
File:Conch helmet - Higgins Armory Museum - DSC05525.JPG|A {{lang|ja-latn|kawari kabuto}}
File:Helmet crouching rabbit Met 07.48.jpg|A {{lang|ja-latn|kawari kabuto}}
</gallery>

==See also==
* ''[[Lobster-tailed pot helmet|Zischägge]]'', a similarly shaped European helmet

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commonscat-inline|Kabuto}}

{{helmets}}
{{Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment}}

[[Category:Samurai armour]]
[[Category:Combat helmets of Japan]]
[[Category:Medieval helmets]]