Antique Samurai Helmet Early Edo Period Nijuroku Ken Suji Kabuto with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
Period: Early Edo Period (1637-1688)
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor
Prime Material: Iron
Suji Kabuto consists of many small riveted iron plates to form its shape. This helmet has Nijuroku (twenty six in Japanese) iron plates. Suji means a stripe in Japanese, and you can see 26 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. 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.
This particular helmet features a Tetsusabi-iro Urushi-nuri (鉄錆色漆塗) finish, which means “iron-rust-colored lacquer coating.” Rather than exposing the raw iron or using a brightly colored lacquer, this finish mimics the subdued, aged tone of oxidized iron. It provides both protection and aesthetic value, blending durability with a refined, understated appearance that reflects the samurai ideal of quiet strength and elegance.
The small opening at the very top of the helmet is called the tehen (天辺) or ten’en no ana (天縁の孔). Originally, this hole served a functional purpose—it acted as a vent to release heat and moisture from inside the helmet, helping to prevent discomfort and overheating during battle. Over time, however, it came to hold symbolic and decorative significance, and was often adorned with an elaborate metal fitting known as the tehen kanamono (天辺金物).
This tehen kanamono is beautifully decorated with elegant karakusa (arabesque) patterns and small inome (boar’s eye) piercings. The karakusa pattern, depicting continuously extending vines, symbolizes eternal prosperity, vitality, and growth. The inome, shaped like a heart, is a traditional motif commonly found in Japanese armor and metalwork, serving as a protective charm to ward off evil spirits.
Please take a close look at the fukikaeshi (side flaps of the helmet). The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive purpose by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also functioning as an important decorative element that represented the wearer’s family lineage, rank, and clan affiliation.
On this helmet, the fukikaeshi are adorned with the Hoshi-umebachi mon (星梅鉢紋), a plum blossom crest composed of five stars surrounding a slightly smaller one at the center, forming the shape of a plum flower.
The plum blossom (ume) has long been cherished in Japan as a symbol of perseverance, renewal, and early spring. The motif is closely associated with Sugawara no Michizane (845–903), a renowned scholar, poet, and statesman later revered as the deity of learning and scholarship, known as Tenjin-sama. Michizane deeply loved plum blossoms, and many Tenman and Tenjin shrines across Japan—where he is enshrined—adopted the Hoshi-umebachi mon or other plum motifs as their sacred emblems (shinmon).
Originally introduced from China around the 8th century, the plum blossom was admired by the Japanese aristocracy as a herald of spring and gradually became a popular family and shrine crest. The star-shaped plum motif thus carries not only aesthetic beauty but also a profound cultural connection to intellect, resilience, and divine favor in Japanese tradition.
Certification：Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
The certificate was issued by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, which is the most trusted Japanese armor appraiser in Japan. Tokubestu Kicho Shiryo means special rare article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.
This helmet was authenticated on August 27th 2023 as a Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo and the paper mentions the helmet was made in the Early Edo period. The purchaser will receive the original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.
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 ship via EMS (Japanese Postal Service). It normally takes at least 5-14 days to receive any packages after you place an order. It might take longer depending on the season or custom clearance. We will inform your order’s tracking number via email.
*Please keep in mind there is possible delay expected in delivery with EMS in some countries due to the pandemic in the world. We offer free shipping only when we can ship by EMS.
【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.
