Antique Samurai Helmet Kawari Kabuto with Hozon Shiryo Certificate
Period: The End of the Edo Period (appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor)
*The certificate mentions that the Eboshi (hat shaped part) on the helmet was restored after the Meiji period
Prime Material: Iron
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; Samurai tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic designed Kabutos. According to a theory, these uniquely designed Kabutos were made from the late Muromachi (1467-1573) period to the Edo (江戸, 1603-1868) 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 paper were used as materials for decoration.
This Kabuto has a unique design, which looks like the Eboshi (烏帽子, headgear worn by nobles in court dress) with engraved wavy lines. Also, it is pasted gold leaf, which adds gorgeousness to this work. We think this Kabuto is categorized as a type of Nari Kabuto (形兜) or Zunari Kabuto (頭形兜). Zunari Kabutos are usually made up of five plates glued together, but exceptions are made from a single plate hammered out. Speaking of Kawari Kabuto, it generally refers to Nari Kabuto. The character 形 means shape in Japanese. That is, each Nari Kabuto has a design that expresses the shape of motifs related to various animals, plants, or gods. There are two methods for making Nari Kabutos. One is Harikake (張懸), and another is Tetsu-Uchidashi (鉄打ち出し). Harikake is a technique in which multiple layers of paper are pasted on the model. After drying, the model will be removed and hardened with lacquer to create a modeled object with the same shape as the model. Tetsu-Uchidashi is a style of sculpting an object by hammering out an iron plate. According to the certificate, this Kabuto was made with the Harikake technique, and this Harikake part was applied to this Kabuto after the Meiji era.
The Maedatemono (前立物, front decoration) is attached to this helmet. We think it is Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来, Mahāvairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). It is said that Dainichi (大日) means the great Nichirin (日輪, another name for the sun). Also, the name is said to have been derived from the fact that the light of wisdom of Dainichi is greater than the light of the Sun, and it shines on everything in the world. In esoteric Buddhism, Dainichi Nyorai represents the truth of the universe and refers to the universe itself. It is also believed that all living beings are born from Dainichi Nyorai, and other Buddhas, including Shakyamuni Buddha, are considered to be incarnations of Dainichi Nyorai. We estimate the Nyorai is surrounded by the strong light like flame of the sun on this Maedatemono decoration.
Also, the Fukikaeshi (吹き返し), both ends of a Kabuto, is attached to this Kabuto. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. If you look at them closely, you would find lion-like animals with some plant pattern. We assume the animal is the Karajishi (唐獅子). The Shishi (獅子) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (唐, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen in this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (文殊菩薩, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (狛犬, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this beast motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.
*Please keep in mind that this Kabuto’s gold leaf is partly faded off.
Certification: Hozon 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. Hozon Shiryo means worth preserved.
This helmet was authenticated on May 26th in 2024, as a Hozon Shiryo, and this paper mentions that this item was made in the End of the Edo period.
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】
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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.
If you like to know more about the preservation of this armor, please feel free to contact us.
