Burgonet in Oriental Fashion (Zischägge)
Not on view
Despite the persistent threat of Turkish invasion in the sixteenth century, the courts in eastern and Central Europe were attracted to the exotic and colorful costumes and military equipment of their Ottoman enemies. Tournaments and parades in Turkish, or related Hungarian, fashion were held at the Hapsburg courts in Vienna and Prague by the mid-sixteenth century. This helmet provides evidence of that taste, as its fluted conical bowl, peak with sliding nasal (missing), large shaped cheekpieces (missing), and articulated neck plates (several missing) were copied directly from contemporary Turkish models. The surfaces are etched and gilt overall with decoration based on "Moresque" ornament of Oriental inspiration. A similar burgonet dated 1561, coming from the armory of the Prices Radziwill, is in Wawel Castle, Cracow.
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