Extremely Rare Iron Helmet with Mask, Jurchen Jin Dynasty, Northern China, 12th–13th Century.
All subject photos

Lot 293

Extremely Rare Iron Helmet with Mask, Jurchen Jin Dynasty, Northern China, 12th–13th Century.

Estimate: EUR 12000.00 - 14000.00

Starting Bid: EUR 10500.00

You can set your bid here:

Live auctioneers Bidspirit

Item details

Description

Extremely Rare Iron Helmet with Mask, Jurchen Jin Dynasty, Northern China, 12th–13th Century. An exceptional and exceedingly rare example of an early Jin dynasty (1115–1234) iron helmet with an integral face mask, attributed to the Jurchen tribes of Northern China. Constructed from forged iron plates, fastened together with rivets and lacings of reddish-brown leather (Leather laces, modern reconstruction), this helmet features overlapping lamellar plates forming the neck guard and sides. The front bears a sculpted, stylized iron mask with human facial features — deep eye sockets, a pronounced brow, and a narrow slit for the mouth — intended to inspire fear in the enemy while protecting the warrior’s face. Such helmets are exceptionally scarce; they represent the transitional stage between early steppe lamellar armor and later Mongol-influenced helmets of the Yuan period. A museum-worthy relic of early medieval East Asian warfare—powerful, haunting, and of remarkable rarity. Good condition for his age. Mask size: approximately 23 x 16 cm. Helmet height without mask: approximately 27 cm.

Condition

Excellent condition

Dimensions

Height 27 cm / 10.6 in