Maedate — Helmet Crests

The cheapest way to transform a helmet. A maedate — the crest mounted at the brow — costs a fraction of the kabuto it sits on and does more to define the suit's character than any other component of comparable price.

Historically these were personal to the point of eccentricity. Crescent moons, sun discs, buffalo horns, dragons, rabbit ears, Buddhist deities, a single carved character. Some declared allegiance; some declared a vow; some appear to have been chosen because the wearer simply liked them.

Our crests are cast or hand-shaped and finished in gilt, silver, black lacquer, or natural metal, mounted on a standard tang that fits the brow holder on any of our helmets — and on most other makers' helmets as well. Swapping one takes seconds.

Common types stocked here include kuwagata (the antler-like forks), mikazuki (crescent), hi-no-maru (sun disc), tatsu (dragon), and kamon crests rendered from a family or clan mon of your choosing.

Collectors frequently keep several and change them by season or occasion. It is the cheapest good habit in this hobby.