Helmet

This is a rare early example of what later became a well-known type usually associated either with the later part of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) or the ceremonial helmets of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Engraved on the center of the brow is the figure of Buddha Shakyamuni seated on a lotus throne and flanked by the four lokapala, the heavenly guardians of the four directions. Lively dragons, one on each side of a flaming pearl, are engraved on the finial and brim and became a standard motif on virtually all later Chinese ceremonial helmets. The gilding of the helmet's fittings consists of two layers: silver foil burnished onto a crosshatched ground, over which a layer of gold was applied by mercury gilding. This unusual two-stage technique is also found on a few other pieces, including some Chinese or eastern Tibetan saddles, and is a rare alternative to damascening.