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Gogatsu Ningyō are miniature suits of armor, helmets, and dolls displayed on May 5th for Tango no Sekku, a traditional Japanese celebration for boys. These decorations not only commemorate a boy’s birth but also embody wishes for his health, strength, resilience, and wisdom.
This particular helmet is modeled after those from the Heian to Kamakura periods. It is a simple kabuto (helmet) display, consisting of only the helmet and a wooden storage box (hitsu), which is adorned with intricate gold leaf detailing on the front. Crafted using traditional techniques similar to those employed for real helmets, the shikoro—the protective section covering the back of the head and neck—has been meticulously made by piercing holes in gold-leafed plates and threading them together with red silk cords. The helmet’s opulent design features an abundance of gold leaf, while the fukikaeshi (turned-back flaps) are adorned with delicate metalwork embellishments, adding a distinctive touch.
The helmet can be stored inside the hitsu, which also serves as its display stand, ensuring both easy storage and a refined presentation.
This piece is the work of Gahō, a Sekku Ningyō Kōgeishi—an officially recognized master craftsman of traditional festival dolls.
