KoreaOfficer's helmet from Korea, Asia. Collected by S. Wakefield. Given to the Museum in 1906.

This is a very ornate officer's helmet from Seoul in South Korea. It probably dates to the early 16th century and would have belonged to a wealthy man.

The pear-shaped bowl is of lacquered leather with mounted brass and silver decoration, including curling dragons and phoenices. The cheek and neck flaps are of brigandine construction. This is where iron plates are riveted to the underside of a fabric such as, in this example, red velvet. The plates are also padded, lined in silk and edged with fur. The high top and the pierced brass boss derive from a type of helmet used in ancient Mongolia where its function was to hold long hair in place. The inscribed badge on the forehead section denotes longevity.