Golden maedate helmet ornament, dragon with green jewel, Japan

Description

A helmet ornament, or kabuto maedate, as worn by samurai. Light weight resin molded in the shape of a soaring dragon, holding a green stone representing the jewel. A metal pin/clip to insert the piece into the holder on the helmet is nailed to the belly. The yellow resin is covered in very thin gold foil.
Japan, mid-later 20
th
century.
Few scratches in the gilding, few minor tiny dents. All in all very good condition.
The piece was made long after the wearing of swords and armor was abolished. It probably is a movie prop or something similar, meant to be seen from the far distance.
Makes a nice sculpture.
H 7.75 x W 3-1/8 in.