Japanese armor makers are awesome

Does my helm bug you?

Japan, Dragonfly-shaped helmet, 17th century, iron, lacquer, wood, leather, gilt pigments, silk, papier-mâché. The James Ford Bell Foundation Endowment for Art Acquisition and gift of funds from Siri and Bob Marshal, 2012.31.1a-c

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts acquired this beautifully crafted helm a few years ago. The design was to help the samurai wearing it stand out on the battle field. The helmet is iron with lacquered papier-mâché over a wooden framework. The wings are made of wood.

I wish that I had the skill to make something like this.