Samurai Helmet

This painting makes reference to the well-known tendency in the Japanese culture to emphasize (or create) an aesthetic component for all their objects, even something as grimly utilitarian as armor. Not just in parade but also on the battlefield, soldiers wore these beautiful suits (as much jewelry as armor) to their deaths. Before battle they perfumed themselves and carefully groomed their hair so if they were killed their enemies would not mock their bodies as ugly or slovenly. In this painting the suit collar, helmet and facemask hangs, empty, like the shed glossy exoskeleton of an insect. The unbalanced placement of the armor to one side of the canvas acknowledges oriental, particularly Japanese, ideas of asymmetrical composition. It also implies potential movement.