Takeda Shingen Kabuto Helmet by Paul Chen – Hanwei

This recreation of the helmet of famed Daimyo Takeda Shingen is rich in sumptuous detailing and serves as a magnanimous and commanding centerpiece to a collection Japanese swords and curios. The helmet is lined and fully wearable as well and is crafted from 18 gauge steel and finished with a glossy red lacquer and embellished with gold plated detailing and edging.

The armor plates are articulated with the traditional construction of black cotton cordage. The horned Oni Demon is made from weighty, solid brass with an antiqued brass finish with detailing picked out in polished, gleaming brass – it can be removed if desired. The Mempo face mask guard is also removable and is attached to the helmet by knotting it into position with the thick helmet cords. A genuine horsehair moustache and plume complete the helmet.

The interior of the helmet is lined with soft cloth and behind it is padding to make the helmet comfortable when worn. A pre-assembled wooden display stand is included.

Takeda Shingen, the Tiger of Kai was a phenomenally successful Daimyo in the Sengoku period and earned his fierce moniker for his battle prowess coupled with his preference for swift and ferocious offensive strategies that focused on thunderous cavalry charges and highly drilled troops. Even at a young age he demonstrated proficiency in war – after taking control of his clan at a relatively young age his neighboring warlords plotted against him, intent on stopping the ambitious Takeda from seizing Shinano Province. Most other Daimyo of this time solidified their power with slower, castle-building strategy, and Takeda denied them their moment and struck first, defeating his harried foes in a series of battles and sieges to take Shinano.

Takedas most famous battles however were focused on his unyielding rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin and the pair faced each other on the field in the Battles of Kawanakajima no less than five times – thus their feud was solidified in popular cultural history.

Though Takeda is known by his bold action and his nickname as Tiger of Kai, his popular name Shingen is not his formal birth name. He was born Harunobu and his name of Shingen is actually a dharma name given to him by his Buddhist master when he lived the pabbajja life among Buddhist monks in his youth. He was also an accomplished and highly-regarded poet in his youth as well.