Antique Samurai Helmet Late Edo Period Sanjyuni Ken Katashiro Suji Kabuto with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
Period: Late Edo Period (appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor)
Prime Material: Iron
This Kabuto was made by Joshu Ju Iehisa (上刕住家久), who was thought to reside in Joshu province, another name of Kouzuke no Kuni (上野国: today’s Gunma prefecture), in the late Edo period. We believe Iehisa belonged to Joshu Myochin school, considering where he lived. Myochin is the name of a famous armor-making school that has been continuing for generations since the Heian period. Mochin school originally was founded in Kyoto area. And, members of this school moved to other parts of Japan, including Jyoshu (Gunma), Soshu (Kanagawa), Echizen (Fukui), Kaga (Ishikawa).
Suji Kabuto consists of many small riveted iron plates to form its shape. This helmet has Sanjyuni (thirty two in Japanese) iron plates. Suji means a stripe in Japanese, and you can see 32 stripes in this helmet. A high-class Samurai might have owned this helmet. Also, Katashiro (片白) Kabuto is a helmet with Shinodare (篠垂, ornamental metal strips) in front of the bowl, called the Hachi (鉢), and a base plate below it decorated with gilt silver.
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.
This Kabuto’s Maedatemono (前立物, front decoration) is a combination of three parts: a lion-face decoration, a golden circle, and a Kuwagata (鍬形). Firstly, we focus on the Kuwagata. It is a kind of Maedatemono to dignify the appearance. This Kabuto’s Kuwagata has a shape in which its tip is bifurcated. You would find a heart mark at the tip of this Kuwagata. This design is the Inome Mon (猪の目紋). The Inome pattern has been used since ancient times. Its name implies boar’s eyes. Some people believed the Inome design would work as an amulet to protect them from evil spirits or fire. Also, it is said it would bring good luck.
Secondly, please look at the golden ring part. We estimate the Nichirin (日輪, another name for the sun) or a Getsurin/Gatsurin (月輪, another name for the moon) is its model. There was a widespread belief among Samurai, the Myouken (妙見) belief. This religion was born in India. It was mixed with the Polestar belief and was brought to Japan from the continent. The sun, the moon, and the stars of the universe were the symbols of faith. The Myouken Bosatsu (妙見菩薩, 菩薩 means Bodhisattva) fulfills all wishes such as fertility of rich harvest, peace, the prosperity of the clan, healing of illness, longevity, success in business, traffic safety, academic achievement, marriage, etcetera. So, it is understandable that many Samurai cherished sun and moon motifs. The former owner of this armor might have shown his faith by wearing this Kabuto.
Finally, regarding the lion-face decoration, it is called the Shikami/Shigami (獅噛) motif. The name of the Shikami/Shigami comes from the word “顰 (pronounced as Shikami).” It refers to a terrifying Oni (鬼) mask with raised eyebrows, an open mouth with fangs bared, or a frowning Oni or lion mask. The Oni is a kind of monster and is often depicted as the following figure: a human body with horns and fangs. They are usually harmful to people but sometimes helpful. It is because Onis are not just monsters but are imagined in various forms, such as vengeful spirits of humans, legendary gods, Yōkai (妖怪, monster/ghost), and spiritual beings, and their definitions differ depending on the scene in which they appear. Even a young Samurai would have been intimidated by the enemy from a distance if he wore a Kabuto with this decoration. Also, it is said that a Shikami motif was attached to the Kabuto of Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543-1616, a famous military commander of the Warring States period), and Takeda Shingen (武田信玄, 1521-1673, the strongest feudal load in the Warring States period).
As for the motif of the button-like decorations on the Mabisashi (眉庇, visior), it seems to be Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum). 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.
Please focus on the Fukikaeshi (吹き返し) part. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. A beautiful flower pattern is depicted, and the Hishi-nui (菱縫), a decoration with cross knots, is applied on this Kabuto.
If you look at the Hachimanza (八幡座, helmet top opening) part, you will also find Ichou (銀杏, Ginkgo Biloba) leaves design. This plant contains lots of water; therefore, it is fire-resistant. It does not quickly die even if flames burn it. Because of its strong vitality and longevity, the Ichou pattern has been considered a good-luck motif. In Japan, Ichou trees can often be found in shrines. People worship it as the Goshinboku (ご神木, tree of worship) and treat it respectfully. Also, many families use this plant pattern for their family crests. In Japanese, there is another word that has the same pronunciation as the Ichou (銀杏). It is written as “異朝” and means a foreign country. Based on this common pronunciation, people thought the Ichou (銀杏) pattern showed the joy of welcoming honored guests from overseas.
Certification：Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (No. 2101)
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 in 2023 as a Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo and the paper mentions the helmet was made in the late Edo period. You can receive this original authentication paper.
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.
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【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.
【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.
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【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.
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