Samurai Maedate
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Samurai Maedate is an insignia or a badge that was fixed to the front of a Kabuto (samurai full helmet). Samurai Maedate first appeared to be used around the 9th century during the Heian period. A full name of the insignia is "Maedatemono", but abbreviated version, Maedate, is used much more often. Many different shapes of samurai Maedate were used and they could serve different purposes. Some of them could be used only for decoration, and some had religious meaning. Some of the samurai maedate were emblems of clans and families, and some represented professions and ranks.
One of the most common shapes for samurai maedate were horns or antlers of a dear or a water buffalo; round forms in the shape of the sun, a crescent, or the moon were also very popular. Sometimes samurai maedate were made in the shape of various animals especially dragons and lion-heads. Religion symbols were used by Buddhist guardians and included flames, five-tired stupa, one of the deities, or swastika (which didn't have the same meaning as it had later in 20th century).
The samurai maedate was not the only thing used on the Kabuto. Quite often other insignias were used as well, including: "Ushirodate", which was worn on the back of the helmet. "Kashiradate" was an insignia located on the top of the Kabuto, and "Wakidate" were worn on the both sides of the helmet. Not all samurai had maedate or other decorations fixed to their Kabuto, but during the Momoyama period especially when Kawari Kabuto ("a grotesque helmet") were in a big use, a lot of interesting and spectacular samurai maedate were produced. The Edo period was also generous for helmet decorations.
Most valuable samurai maedate have been placed in museums around the globe, but there is still a good chance of getting an interesting piece. An authentic maedate can cost quite a lot though, so there're also some nice reproductions available that are much more affordable, but still attractive and skilfully made pieces.
You can see current listings for Samurai Maedate below:
Samurai Antique maedate Dragonfly style #2
$191.09 
Time Left: 11h 7m |
| Maetate of Kabuto (helmet) of Yoroi (armor) : 7.9 × 0.8 " 100g
$199.99 (0 Bids) Time Left: 23h |
| 21cm GOGATSU Japanese SAMURAI YOROI KABUTO Armor MAEDATE Auction
$99.99 (0 Bids) Time Left: 1d 5h 45m |
| GOGATSU Japanese SAMURAI ARMOR YOROI KABUTO Helmet MAEDATE Auction
$74.99 (0 Bids) Time Left: 1d 5h 45m |
| 1800s~ Japanese SAMURAI Yoroi Armor KAWARI Kabuto Helmet NIO Buddha Maedate Set
$6,800.00
Time Left: 2d 14h 10m |
| EDO~MEIJI 1800s~ Japanese SAMURAI Yoroi Armor KAWARI Kabuto Helmet Maedate Set
$3,600.00
Time Left: 2d 14h 14m |
| Rare EDO Japanese Samurai Armor Helmet KAJI Fireman Kabuto Maedate yoroi Iron
$900.00
Time Left: 3d 6h 44m |
| Rare Japanese Samurai Armor Helmet Kabuto Maedate yoroi Iron Set
$1,700.00
Time Left: 3d 16h 48m |
