Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Japanese Boys Day Samurai Helmet Decoration |
Object Name |
Decoration, Holiday |
Description |
Japanese Boys Day Samurai Helmet Decoration. Small Japanese Samurai Helmet. Part of the Japanese Boy's Day display, this small Japanese samurai helmet is very colorful. It consists of black, orange, jade, white, and gold. The primary color of the helmet's dome is textured black (raised bumps) with silver and gold inlays which are placed in a cross-like pattern. At the dome's center is a gold textured cap. On the underside of the dome is an orange piece of fabric which is lined with a white floral pattern. On the front of the dome is gold-plated visor with floral pattern etched into it. It also is lined with strips of interwoven white, purple, and jade colored thread. Above the visor is a decorative gold piece, which turns upright in wide "U" shape with a floral pattern as well. On the back of the dome is a gold cap and ring with an orange woven tassel attached to it. The neck guard consists of four layered, gold bands of various lengths which would curve around the black of the neck. Each layer is attached to one another by orange woven tassels. The bottom gold band on the neck guard has also has a white and purple woven tassel running through it. On both sides of the visor is a curved plate with the raised depiction of a pouncing lion facing inward over a floral background. This background has an additional purple background which is surrounded with strips of interwoven white, purple, and jade colored thread. Below the pouncing lion is a interwoven row of orange, then white and purple, then orange thick thread. Hanging loosely from underneath the dome are two strands of orange tassel which are tied to depict a chinstrap. |
Date |
n.d. |
Catalog Number |
1979.060.008E |
Collection |
3D - Ceremonial Objects |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Inscription Text |
none. |
Notes |
"Children's Day is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5 and is the final celebration in Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948. It has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times. The day was originally called Tango no sekku – one of the five annual ceremonies held at the imperial court – and was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon in the Chinese calendar. After Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar, the date was moved to May 5. It was originally exclusively male celebrating boys and recognizing fathers, but has since been changed to include both male and female children." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Day_(Japan) 08/24/2018] |
Dimensions |
H-10.5 W-3.5 D-4 inches |
Search Terms |
Children Decorations Dolls Immigrants Japanese Japanese - Festivals Japanese Americans Memorabilia |
Subjects |
Children Decorations Dolls Immigrants Memorabilia Samurai |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Nobuo Tabata |