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 the best we have ever offered, as it retains the extremely scarce Menpo faceguard. This Kabuto’s style is the Koboshi Kabuto (小星兜), which is categorized as the Hoshi Kabuto (星兜), and it has Rokujuni (sixty two in Japanese) iron plates. The Hoshi Kabuto is a type of Samurai helmet that was born in the middle of the Heian period (around 888-1068). Small rivets that hold iron plates together. These rivets are called the Hoshi (星, star). We could count 60 iron plates on the exterior, with the other two likely integral. The lower places are still held in well by the cording, with some cords either being heavily frayed or breaking off. Much of the gilting is also intact here.

We could not identify the Maedatemono (前立物, front decoration) on this helmet, which depicts a large ball surrounded by vinery. A good research project.

The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し), at both ends of the Kabuto, depict a family crest with one circle in the center with three looped circles around it, with what appears to be a bird’s head protruding from the recess of each loop. We are unsure what family this crest was for, but the design is very similar to the Akai family crest, which depicts just one loop with the bird’s head at the top, so this is perhaps a more specific subfamily. We found this one was referred to as “Wild Geese” definitely a good opportunity for further research! 

This Kabuto is a set with a gorgeous Menpo (面頬, face guard). This type of Menpo is called the Ressei Menpo (烈勢面頬). It represents the angry face to intimidate enemies. There are many types of Menpo, depending on their shape or appearance. The purpose of Menpo was not only to protect Samurai’s face. But also to hide their true faces so that their psychological states were unaffected. Beards are attached to this Menpo. Thanks to this effect, even a young soldier would have been able to produce the majestic appearance of a middle-aged Samurai. Part of the lacquer of the Menpo is chipping off at the chin, but this one is very well-retained. The mustache and beard are also heavily cut-down.

Much of the information we found on this helmet came from this link.

With the stand (which is included), the set measures roughly 21” tall. The set retains its headropes well. 

This is a tremendous example, ready for further research and display.