Antique Samurai Helmet Rokujuni Ken Suji Kabuto with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
Period: The end of the Muromachi period (1555-1573)
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor
*The shikoro (neck guard) and fukikaeshi (side flaps) of this helmet are believed to date from the mid-Edo period (c. 18th century)
Prime Material: Iron
This kabuto was made by Katsumasa (勝正), who is thought to have been active in the late Muromachi period (late 15th – 16th century CE).
Suji Kabuto consists of many small riveted iron plates to form its shape. This helmet has Rokujuni (sixty two in Japanese) iron plates. Suji means a stripe in Japanese, and you can see 62 stripes in this helmet. A high-class Samurai might have owned this helmet.
The Kabuto (兜, helmet) is a protector for the head. When people started using the Kabuto, it was initially designed for practical use. However, the principal purpose of its design has changed with time; Samurais tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic design Kabutos. According to a theory, these unique designed Kabutos were made from the late Muromachi period to the Edo period. This type of Kabuto is categorized as the Kawari Kabuto (変わり兜), and a variety of materials were used to create them. For example, animal fur, seashells, plants, and papers were used as materials for decoration.
Before the Kawari Kabuto’s production, the Suji Kabuto (筋兜) has appeared during the Nanbokuchou (南北朝, 1337-1392) period. At that time, the tactic was gradually changed from the piggyback fight style to battle with the Tachi (太刀) sword and the Naginata (薙刀, Japanese halberd) on the ground. Therefore, there was a rise in demand for the weight saving of the Kabuto. Also, in order to turn the attack by swords, a new type of structure was invented; it is the Suji Kabuto (筋兜). Its form slides swords’ attacks when weapons hit the Kabuto. It is said that the production of the Suji Kabuto prospered in the Muromachi (室町, 1336-1573) period. The Suji Kabuto production continued in the Edo period also; however, iron plates that Kabuto makers used at that time were thicker than the Muromachi period’s Suji Kabuto. Therefore, it was heavier, and we understand that then people cherished the Suji Kabuto to enjoy the old-style Kabuto, not to wear it on the battlefields.
The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive function by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also holding decorative designs that conveyed the status and dignity of the warrior. Family crests were often placed on this part, and in this piece, a chrysanthemum design is featured.
The chrysanthemum has long been revered in Japanese culture as a symbol of nobility and longevity. It is most famously associated with the Imperial family and has come to represent authority and prosperity. The flower was also believed to have medicinal properties and thus became a symbol of wishes for health and immortality.
From the Kamakura period (1185–1333) onward, chrysanthemum motifs were also adopted among the warrior class as a sign of prestige. By the Edo period (1603–1868), a great variety of chrysanthemum crest designs had been developed, showing how popular the motif had become.
Moreover, the radiating petals of the chrysanthemum were likened to the rays of the sun, embodying meanings of eternity, vitality, and strength.
In addition, the Hachimanza (八幡座, helmet top opening) and the button-like motifs attached to Hachi tsuke no ita (鉢付の板, the uppermost plate of a multi-lame skirt of scale or solid lames) are shaped like a chrysanthemum (菊, Kiku). A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people appreciate it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. “Kiku no Gomon (菊の御紋)” is a kind of chrysanthemum pattern, and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern.
Certification: Tokugetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
The certificate will be issued by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, which is the most trusted Japanese armor appraiser in Japan. Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo means special rare article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.
This helmet including its Menpo was authenticated on December 8th, 2024, as a Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo, and this paper mentions that this item was made in the late Muromachi period. We are expecting to receive this certificate by February or March 2025. If you like to receive the Kabuto first, we can send it to you after the export permit is granted. If you like to receive both Kabuto and its certificate at the same time, we can also arrange it.
An English translation of the certificate is available on request. We won’t charge any additional fee.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Antique Japanese helmet (Kabuto) and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the helmet to other countries. It normally takes around 2-4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0-1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【Payment Method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping Duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of a sword. and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
【How To Contact Us】
Please contact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.
【How To Preserve Antique Samurai Armor/Helmets】
Dryness, humidity, and bad ventilation might deteriorate the condition of antique Samurai armor/helmet. The best temperature to preserve Samurai armor/helmet is around 20℃ in Celsius, and humidity should be about 60%. Direct sunlight should be avoided. We recommend storing armors/helmets in a room with good ventilation. If you like to display them outside the boxes for a prolonged time, we suggest using a glass case in order for dust not to be accumulated easily. In case you don’t use a glass case, please make sure to regularly dust off from the armor/helmets by using a soft brush made of delicate cloth or brush for painting.
If you like to know more about the preservation of this armor, please feel free to contact us.
