Kawari (Strange) Kabuto.
Interesting early Edo period samurai helmet (kabuto).
The base is a standard steel Zunari Kabuto with a lightweight paper-mache and lacquer bear head built up on top, and covered with real bear’s fur. The realistic eyes, and open, red, slavering mouth must have been intimidating at the time.
A number of similar helmets still exist, showing it was a rather popular style. The wearer would have been of relatively high rank to have been able to afford such an interesting piece.
Makes you wonder what the rest of the armor was styled like! By wearing this, you would have to BEAR the brunt of many jokes, but it is better than going onto the battlefield with a BEAR head!
