Helmet from Japan, Asia. Collected by Frederick Cornes between 1861 and 1875. Given to the Museum by his son Julian Cornes in 1953.
This Japanese helmet dates to around 1800 and is decorated with chrysanthemums, the symbol of the Emperor. Circular brass kamon (badges) can be seen on the curved turnbacks. These depict wisteria fronds encircling the Japanese character of ookii, meaning 'big', 'great' or 'many'. This badge was historically associated with the prominent Fujiwara clan whose members acted as regents for underage emperors during the Heian period (794-1185 AD).