Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. A KASA (笠) is any one of several sorts of traditional Japanese hats. Some types are amigasa, jingasa, sandogasa, sugegasa, and takuhatsugasa. Note that rendaku ("sequential voicing") causes kasa to change to gasa when it is preceded by another word specifying the type of hat: thus, JINGASA ("camp hat"; helmet). These were issued to the lowliest soldiers of the Japanese War Lords (The Samurai). They were used by simple Infantry who acted as Musketeers using the then prevalent Matchlock ignition system.
Of cloth-covered iron construction worn over a fabric, perhaps wool cap, these were nothing more than a thin covering of iron to hopefully deflect arrows and sword cuts.
Our example, constructed of twelve iron triangular plates soldered together and lacquered, looks much like a Circus tent. The covering is in good shape with a lovely patina. The helmet retains its stuffed liner system with the ropes and both straps intact. They are all clothed in white.
This example comes with an original Iron Kuwagata style maeda, with a small dragon emblem attached to the center. The term "Kuwagata" refers to a type of decoration on a samurai helmet, specifically a type of maedate (front decoration). It was used from the mid-Heian period to the Edo period. During the Heian period, the Kuwagata was attached to the helmet bowl with a string through a Kuwagata-dai (base for the Kuwagata) that was riveted. However, during the Kamakura period, the style of riveting the Kuwagata-dai directly to the helmet and inserting the Kuwagata into the Kuwagata-dai became popular.
This example slides onto the post on the front, but does not sit still and does lean from side to side, but this could be fixed by wedging something in the slot.
One of the most lovely examples of an iron jingasa we’ve seen. Comes ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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