The Hoshi Kabuto (星兜, "Star Helmet") is a type of helmet (Kabuto) worn by Japanese samurai as part of their armor (Yoroi).
Description: The Hoshi Kabuto belongs to the category of multi-plate helmets. These helmets are made up of pie-shaped iron plates that are assembled to form the helmet bowl. On top of the Kabuto, there is a type of headpiece (Tehen-No-Kanamono) that serves as a fastener for the entire set of plates. There are different versions of this helmet, which differ in the shape and design of the plates and their attachment:
Suji Bashi Kabuto Hari Bashi Kabuto Koboshi Bashi Kabuto
All of them share the design of the helmet bowl composed of plates, with the number of plates varying from version to version. The same type of helmet can have a different number of plates. The number of plates can range from 16 to 120 per helmet. The shape of the helmet can also vary. There are six different bowl shapes associated with the Hoshi Kabuto:
- Akoda Nari
- Goshozan
- Heichozan
- Koseizan
- Tenkokuzan
- Zenshozan
The distinct feature of this helmet type is the prominent rounded rivets that fasten the individual plates together. The decoration of the helmets is also diverse, varying according to the preferences of the armor smith or owner.