Item Description
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. A Kabuto (兜, 冑) is a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors which, in later periods, became an important part of the traditional Japanese armor worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. In the Japanese language, the word kabuto is an appellative, not a type description, and can refer to any combat helmet. The design used for samurai helmets evolved over the centuries, and this example is typical of the design seen during the early-to-mid part of the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo.
This example is in tremendous condition for its age, likely dating to the late Edo period, so the late 19th century. The front visor is inscribed with motifs. From its construction, it appears to be a Suji-Kabuto. This type of ridged helmet was worn by upper-class samurai beginning in the Muromachi period (1392–1573). Bulbous at the back and dipping downward around the central opening at the top of the bowl, its overall shape is known as akoda-nari due to its resemblance to the akoda, a squash-like fruit. There is some oxidation across the iron, but it has held up tremendously.
The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し), at both ends of the Kabuto, each depict a cherry blossom. The Maedate, the ornamental crest or decoration located on the front of a kabuto, is a lovely crooked crescent moon example, and still comes off without issue. There is heavy wear across the helmet but it certainly looks the part.
This is a tremendous example, ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
