An important part of the Japanese samurai helmet (kabuto) was its decorative crest. Called datemono (or tatemono), the decoration was placed on the top of the kabuto, on front (like in today’s photo), on the sides or even on the back of the helmet.

Often, the decoration was representing the clan’s crest (kamon), but many warriors were also using shapes evoking magical beasts, to suggest the warrior’s strength, or horns, to intimidate the enemies…

Kyoto Jidai Matsuri parade, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Golden walls inside the Honmaru Goten Palace