Antique Samurai Helmet Kumage Ue Zu Nari Kabuto with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
Period: Mid Edo Period (appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor)
Prime Material: Iron
The name of this helmet is Kumage Ue Zu Nari Kabuto (熊毛植頭形兜), which means a simple helmet shaped like a human head, with real bear hair planted on it. This kind of helmet is called a Kawari Kabuto (変わり兜), and it was popular among samurai from the late Muromachi period to the Edo period. Kawari Kabuto often had unique designs to show each samurai’s personality. Some used real animal fur like this one, some were shaped like animal heads, and others were decorated with things like seashells.
The bear hair on this helmet had two meanings. First, it was believed to protect the wearer from evil, because bears were seen as strong and powerful animals with special spiritual energy. Second, bear fur was rare and expensive, so using it on a helmet showed the owner’s wealth and high social status.
*Please note that some of the bear hair on the top of this helmet is missing.
*Please keep in mind that this Kabuto’s hair is partly lacked off.
Certification: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (No. 1578)
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. Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo means special rare article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.
This helmet was authenticated on November 23rd, 2016, as a Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo, and this paper mentions that this item was made in the mid Edo period. An English translation of the certificate is available on request. We won’t charge any additional fee.
*Please keep in mind that that the Menpo in the photo of the certificate is missing. But if you like to purchase a Menpo that would go well with this Kabuto, we might be able to find one for you. If that is the case, please feel free to contact us.
【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.
