Helmet in dragonfly shape, 17th century, Unknown Japanese, 28 x 24 x 13 3/4 in. (71.12 x 60.96 x 34.93 cm) (approx.), Iron, lacquer, wood, leather, gilt, pigments, silk, papier-mché, Japan, 17th century, During the 15th and 16th centuries, Japan's feudal families vied for supremacy, amassing vast armies to ensure their dominion and to conquer weaker neighbors. High-ranking lords began to embellish their helmets with sculptural forms so that they could be visually located on the battlefield. Exotic helmets (kawari kabuto) also allowed leaders to choose symbolic motifs for their helmets that reflected some aspect of their personality or that of their collective battalions.