Maedate
(Wooden Crest)

The Samurai Maedate is a samurai crest that is attached to the front of the kabuto (samurai helmet), which could represent a specific clan, unit, rank, personality trait or mythical symbols to invoke a divine power, bravery, cunning, etc. The samurai maedate were crafted from different materials (brass, wood and paper were most common). Available in different shapes, sizes and designs. The most notable designs were often of deities and animals, dragons and even plants. The samurai crest can also be hung on display on the wall or over entryways.

The maedate was added to the evolving tanko style armor as early as the 9^th century Heian Period, and were also called Maedate-mono. Over the centuries the crest would become more ornate in design. By the 18th Century Edo Period the maedate were more flamboyantly decorative making them impractical for battle.

Features: Traditional designs with wood material.

• Traditional designs from originals
• Many design and mon options
• Custom design can be crafted upon request, for a small fee

The Iron Mountain has three types of Samurai Maedate for sale:

• Simple Brass Crests – Standard brass crests, usually with more simple designs, cut by hand from thin brass sheets.
• Carved Brass Crests – More intricately designed and bigger brass crests, carved from thicker brass.
• Cast Brass Crests – Crests that are cast from wax molds, often of dragons, demons and other intricate designs.
• Wooden Crests – Carved and painted wooden crests. (WC Classifications)