Engraving on late period zunari?

[The Kirishitan]

New member here, fringe SCA player for 15 years (on again off again), and preparing to make my first Japanese kit. Nothing ground breaking or new. Looking to "portray" a Christian samurai from late period,  the Azuchi–Momoyama. For the body I am homing in on a Hatomune Do design, borrowing the breastplate of his brothers, or a similar design Do, with larger plates (Hotoke or Yikinoshita). I however do not want a Spanish/Portuguese morion styled helmet, but prefer a slick looking zunari. Which leads me to my question directly- Were there samples from the time period (approx. 1575-1600) I am looking to portray, with engraving on the hachi? I have found post period examples that have some engraving on the mabizashi, but again, post period and I assume them to be ornamental pieces as well.

I am a machinist with a full battery of equipment to use, and thought I'd like to add some details like engraving like that on my kabuto and other pieces, if I can find that it was done. I'd like to get a fairly period look, I am willing to make some concessions on some things (I am using plastic after all on the sode and kusazari and the like), but thought engraving would be a nice elemental detail to add, but if it comes off as blaringly goofy or wrong looking, I will forgo it.

Info, thoughts and opinions are welcomed, thank you in advance.

ps. Please excuse any misspelling or incorrect identifying pieces of armour parts and periods. I am trying to educate myself and putting them into my lexicon.

-C

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[Kurodachi no Mykaru]

While repousse and damascening became quite common edo, with the exception of eyebrows and wrinkles, they are fairly rare in period. OTTOMH I cannot remember any etching on kabuto in period. That doesn't mean it wasn't done. The Japanese are the world's worst at throwing that 1 exception that proves the rule out there. I'll check my books. Eric may chime in here as well. He has probably the most extensive katchu photo collection anywhere.

[The Kirishitan]

Thank you so much for your input on this Mykaru. I'd certainly be interested in knowing any information you would be able to find. I was thinking of X posting this to the AA and the SA, if you think it would be beneficial?

ps. Love your work.