Original Japanese Edo Period Zunari Kabuto Samurai Helmet with Ropes & Extremely Scarce Chinguard
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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.
The term "Zunari Kabuto" refers to a type of samurai helmet made up of 3 to 5 iron plates for the bowl (Hachi) part. It is a type of Kawari Kabuto (unique helmet). It is characterized by its resemblance to the shape of a human head. The simplification of the production process led to a reduction in labor and cost, and it was widely used from the Warring States period onwards, and mass-produced in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It is classified into two types: "Hineno Zunari" and "Echuu Zunari".
This example is of the Zunari style. This style is a simple, five-plate design. This example is missing the Maedate, and the small hole where it originally came out of is still visible on the front. The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し), at both ends of the Kabuto, likely depict a family crest that we’ve been unable to identify, a sun emblem with six stars surrounding it. The edges of the Fukikaeshi show verdigris, which give the helmet a great patina overall. The four lower plates are still well-retained by their purple and white cords, with staining across most of them. The metal reinforcements at each corner are retained.
The interior of the helmet shows that the original long heavy purple ropes are retained. The interior crown still retains its thin padding, but the helmet does slide back a bit on every head we’ve put it on.
The helmet retains the incredibly scarce “Menpo” or chinguard. This example was likely originally attached to the helmet in some way, but it has since broken off and is now separated. It could likely be reattached for display. There are two holes at the top ends by which it was likely attached, and this menpo even retains the chain-mail guard below it. There was likely originally a piece that came out of the chin, but it’s now gone. 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.
This is a tremendous example, ready for further research and display.
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