Art History Animalia

For #WorldLionDay 🦁:

Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head Italian, c. 1475-80 Steel, gilt copper, glass, polychromy Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York display

“This helmet is the earliest surviving example of Renaissance armor all'antica (in the antique style). The lion's head is an outer shell made of embossed and gilt copper that is fitted over an underlying plain steel helmet. It represents the head of the Nemean Lion, whose pelt was worn as a headdress and cloak by the mythological hero Hercules. He was frequenly portrayed in Renaissance art as a symbol of indomitable strength, courage, and perseverance.”

#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.

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."

For #Feathersday: two examples of kuluh khuds (cap helmets) with built-in plume holders, here adorned with peacock feathers, on display at the Reading Public Museum (PA, USA):

Kulah Khud (Helmet) Persian, 17th - 18th century, steel & gold Dimensions: Overall (including mail): 22 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (57.2 x 21.6 cm) Overall (not including mail): 9 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (24.8 x 21.6 cm)

"This armor design dates from the Qajar period (1785 – 1925), when Iran waged many wars with Imperial Russia, which resulted in Iran losing much territory to Russia and the British Empire. This helmet is inscribed with a hunting design and figures sitting and conversing. The riveted rim has a protective hanging mail neck guard and adjustable nose piece. The crown has two plume holders and the gold-inlaid crest plate features a quadrangular spike."

Kulah Khud (Helmet) Abyssinian, 18th - 19th century, steel & enamel Dimensions: Overall: 10 x 7 in. (25.4 x 17.8 cm)

"This helmet was most likely used for ceremonial purposes. The typical top spike seen on battle helmets is replaced in this instance by an ornamental peacock head. The helmet’s surface is made up of open-work with a red enamel layer beneath. Although the hanging mail neck guard is missing, the small rivet holes are visible."