Authentic Kendō Men (Helmet), Indigo, 1950–1970

Japanese kendo helmet, or men (面), made with beautifully dark indigo-dyed textile and a metal face guard (mengane / 面金).

Dimensions: height 47 cm, width 21 cm, depth 27 cm.

What makes this piece particularly striking as an object is the interplay of materials and lines: the wide, softly draping “shoulders” in quilted cotton/indigo contrasted with the rigid grille finished with red lacquer on the inside. Around the metal face guard is a light-colored leather rim.

The helmet is complete with its original cords (himo) and bears a maker’s label.

The condition is solid and well preserved, showing normal, age-related signs of use.

As a decorative object, this piece works exceptionally well—on a shelf, in a display case, or as a sculptural accent in an interior with a Japanese or wabi-sabi sensibility.