This helmet, known as kawari, meaning “eccentric”, because of its shape, dates from the Momoyama period in the late 16th and early 17th century, during which conflict was particularly intense in Japan. Above the functional elements of the helmet itself and the neck guard stands an authentic sculpture of dried lacquer like a bolt of intricately folded silk. This served to make the warrior’s clan recognisable from afar and to intimidate his adversary.