Date Masamune Helmet

Description

Date Masamune was a prominent Japanese samurai and daimyo during the late Sengoku and early Edo periods. Born in 1567, he was the founder of the Sendai domain and played a crucial role in the unification of Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later under the Tokugawa shogunate. Masamune was renowned for his military acumen, strategic mind, and ambition, which earned him the nickname “One-Eyed Dragon” due to the loss of his right eye to smallpox during childhood.

Masamune is particularly known for his distinctive black armor and the large, golden crescent moon crest on his kabuto helmet, which made him a striking and memorable figure. Beyond his battlefield achievements, he was also a patron of the arts and culture, contributing to the development of the region’s prosperity. His legacy endures in Japanese history as a symbol of strength, resilience, and cultural sophistication.

Hanwei’s Japanese kabuto (helmet) & menpo (face plate) are superbly constructed, beautifully detailed and great value. These four helmets in our selection replicate the helmets, masks and ornaments of four legendary Japanese samurai Takeda Shingen, Oda Nobunaga, Daisho Kage and Date Masamune. These museum-quality reproductions of these archaeological treasures have been hand crafted by the metalsmiths of Hanwei with exacting attention to detail.

This helmet worn by the legendary Daimyo Date Masamune is a masterpiece of detail and functionality. Made from 18 gauge steel (1,27 mm thick) with an antiqued charcoal gray finish, it is adorned with brass accents and features traditionally articulated armor plates tied with thick cotton cords. The helmet is fully wearable and includes a padded, lined interior for comfort.

A highlight of this piece is the removable Menpo face guard, complete with a genuine horse hair mustache. Additionally, Date Masamune’s iconic crescent moon crest, made from gleaming brass, is also removable. The helmet comes with a custom wooden display stand for showcasing.

• Authentic replica of daimyo Date Masamunes helmet from late 16th and early 17th centuries
• Inlcludes kabuto (helmet) and menpo (mask)
• Fully wearable helmet
• Great decoration element
• Padding inside the helmet
• Antiqued charcoal gray steel construction
• Real horse hair mustache
• Crescent moon crest is removable
• Articulated armor plates are attached with thick cotton cords
• Gold plated accents
• Includes wooden display stand
• Helmet size approx. 52 cm x 48 cm
• Weight approx. 3.4 kg
• Manufacturer: Hanwei