Antique Samurai Helmet Mid Edo Period Rokumai Bari Kawari Kabuto with Kicho Shiryo Certificate (KT-41)
Period: Mid Edo Period (appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor)
Prime Material: Iron
There is no signature on this helmet, but the surface is Tetsusabiji style, which only applied lacquer for paint base for the iron not to get rusty. It looks less shiny than normal lacquered surface.
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 horseback 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 is categorized as Kawari Kabuto, specifically Rokumai Bari Kawari Kabuto (六枚張り変わり兜). It refers to a type of samurai helmet (kabuto) that is constructed using six separate iron plates riveted together to form the bowl (Hachi). The helmet is made from six individual iron plates that are carefully shaped and joined to form the dome. The plates are connected using visible rivets or, in some cases, hidden joinery. While not as complex as multi-plate suji-kabuto, a well-made rokumai-bari kabuto still provided solid protection for samurai in battle.
This helmet is adorned with a Kuwagata(鍬形), a type of Maedatemono (前立物, front decoration) that enhances its dignified appearance. The Kuwagata on this Kabuto has a bifurcated tip and features a smooth, curved design. It is made of two metal plates combined and finished in a subdued color. While there are minor scratches and wear due to age, these marks serve as traces of its long history. We hope you will appreciate its aged texture and historical charm.
The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し) is both ends of a helmet. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. Family crests are sometimes designed on this part, as seen on this Fukikaeshi. You would find a gold-colored crest on each side. We believe this flower design crest is the Kikyou (桔梗) Mon. The Kikyou (桔梗, Japanese bellflower) is designed. It is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (短歌, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially “Kichikou,” and it changed to “Kikyou” with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (吉凶を占う) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (吉凶, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower’s name. “Kichikou” was compared to the word “Kichi Kou (吉更),” which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.
Certification：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. Kicho Shiryo means special rare article. It is ranked as the fourth highest of five rankings.
This helmet was authenticated on August 27th 2023 as a Kicho Shiryo and the paper mentions the helmet was made in the Mid 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.
【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.
【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.
