#LunarNewYear #YearOfTheRabbit at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York:
Helmet [kawari-kabuto] in the Shape of a Crouching Rabbit Japan, 17th century Iron, lacquer, silver, gold, leather, silk 7 x 14 in (17.8 x 35.6 cm)
"The entire cranial portion of this kawari-kabuto is made from one piece of iron and shaped to represent a crouching rabbit, a technique referred to as ichimai-uchidashi. The unlacquered iron is beautifully contrasted with a neckguard (shikoro) of four rows, three of which are lacquered red, and with the bottom row being covered in gilded leather. ... In choosing the motif of his kawari-kabuto helmet, a samurai made a statement, which in turn needed to be understood by both his allies and enemies. Here, the ear guards (fukigaeshi) are shaped as waves, which in combination with the rabbit alludes to the Noh play Chikubushima––a reference an educated samurai would have understood immediately, informing him about the educated mind of his opponent as well."
Photographed on display at the Met's Arms and Armour gallery; online collection page here.
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BONUS:
Missed photographing this in person at the museum, but another example of the same motif as the last piece:
Armor (Gusoku), Japan, 18th century iron, lacquer, gold, silver, copper alloy, leather, silk dimensions: as mounted: H. 54 1/2 in. (138.4 cm); W. 33 in. (83.8 cm); D. 21 in. (53.3 cm) [Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York]
"The helmet crest (maedate) has a gilt-copper moon flanked by rising silver waves. The shoulder guards (sode) are decorated in gold lacquer with the image of a rabbit springing from seafoam, possibly a reference to Chikubushima, a popular Noh play."
