Momonari Kabuto

The Momonari Kabuto (peach-shaped helmet) is inspired by European helmets during the Momoyama Period (1575 – 1615). The katchû-shi (armor craftsmen) made Momonari Gashira Kabuto from two iron plates that joined together like the shell of a clam. They were designed specifically to deflect the bullets from the new muskets appearing on the battlefield. These new weapons were first brought to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish and later became an important part of modern military strategy.