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A close helmet encloses the head (as opposed to a sallet). This type combines the rounded Italian shape with the crisp, vertical fluting, crest, and corded borders that evolved from German late-medieval armor. The fluting deflected projectiles and made the plate stronger without adding weight. At 5 lb. 11.7 oz., this piece is not heavy for a close helmet.
The style is associated with Emperor Maximilian I (reigned 1493-1519), Archduke Albert's famous ancestor, who was keenly interested in improving armor technology.
12 7/16 x 9 1/8 x 13 in. (31.6 x 23.2 x 33 cm)
medium: steel
Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
The turtle on this tsuba is a divine tortoise that can live one thousand years. The "tail" is actually made of water plants that have grown in the tortoise's shell because it has lived so long. This turtle is a symbol of longevity. The right hand side of the tsuba is primarily the turtle's shell. The "tail" sweeps around the left edge to meet to turtle's head at the lower right. A space left between the tail and the central opening created the opening for the utility knife.
Japanese
3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm)
medium: silver alloy
culture: Japanese
Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.