Helmet (<i>Kawari-Kabuto</i>) in the Shape of a Wave by Hiromichi Miura

Helmet (<i>Kawari-Kabuto</i>) in the Shape of a Wave 1601 - 2015

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metal, sculpture

metal

asian-art

japan

form

sculpture

armor

Dimensions Helmet (a): H. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); D. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 8 oz. (2044 g); crest (b): H. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); W. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); Wt. 0.7 oz. (19.8 g)

Hiromichi Miura crafted this striking helmet, a *kawari-kabuto*, in the shape of a wave from iron, lacquer, and wood. The overall effect is one of dynamic stillness, a frozen moment of oceanic power. Note how the glossy black lacquer emphasizes the helmet's smooth curves and contours, mimicking the fluid motion of water. This contrasts with the textured, wave-shaped crest. Here Miura plays with the idea of representation itself. By abstracting the wave form, he asks us to consider what makes a wave a wave – its shape, its energy, its relentless movement. This helmet destabilizes the conventional image of martial strength. Traditional armor is reimagined here as a celebration of natural forces. It is an invitation to contemplate the constant flux of existence. This piece remains open to continuous interpretation, reflecting the very nature of the waves it represents.