What Is a Maedate? Samurai Helmet Crest Symbolism Explained
What Is a Maedate? The Symbolism of Samurai Helmet Crests A maedate is a decorative crest mounted at the front of a Japanese samurai helmet, called a kabuto. Armorers crafted maedate in the forms of animals, mythological creatures, Buddhist symbols, natural imagery, and abstract shapes. Each design carried specific symbolic…