Hanburi

The Hanburi, also known as Hachi-gane, is a helmet from Japan.

The Hanburi is made of leather or metal. There are various forms that cover the head differently. The helmets are shaped like a bowl or hood-shaped and resemble a European skullcap, other versions protect only the forehead and the cheek area. On others, a Menpo is attached.

The helmet bells, if made of metal, are made from one piece, or manufactured from several individual parts overlapping (pushed). On some, a curtain made of chainmail is attached, or a type of brigandine is used.

In other versions, a type of neck and side protection made of fabric is attached, which in turn is covered with chain armor. Some versions are made from overlapping plates, which are only attached at the very end with a rivet or a pin.

These could be pushed together for transport and therefore took up less space in marching baggage. For surface decoration, lacquers and colors are used, or they remain in the natural color of the leather or the metal from which they are made.

There is no other helmet form in Japan that exhibits so many variations. The Hanburi was worn by various ranks as they were relatively inexpensive compared to the armors of the Samurai.

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