Shogun8

Fully agree here.

Indeed, John. Ieyasu had 2 armours with zunari kabuto, albeit his were in gold.

Uwe, I know the piece you refer to here and I love it. In fact "art", like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With pieces such as this, I think context is important. It was made in the time of battles, when they had to churn these things out to meet demand, so they didn't have the time and resources to devote to making them. Yet, they still achieved a very serviceable helmet, that even today, looks streamlined and beautiful and because of it's shape and lightness was effective for its time. I know that I'm preaching to the converted here, but I write this for others who might not fully appreciate these old items.

Understood, Colin - it was only a mild, off-handed criticism. After all, I didn't see the kabuto in the state you started with - and you're correct, the shine will fade!

Another nice and proper kabuto, Colin - one doesn't usually see fukurin and the fancy knots on this type of kabuto as Piers and Uwe have mentioned. I think eboshi are very under-appreciated (and thus undervalued). My only criticism would be the polishing and waxing...only because I like things as ubu as possible.

As Uwe has alluded to, I see no issues with the quality of this kabuto. It is a proper, battle-worthy specimen that hasn't been tatted up. In my eyes, kabuto like this are more respectable - and harder to find - than the usual run-of-the-mill late Edo stuff that attract most collectors.

Hi Howard, Agree with Luc and Uwe on their assessments. I should also add that older kabuto - especially toppai nari - often had very thin lacquer applied, ostensibly for weight considerations. Nice kabuto!

If Uwe is correct about the kabuto being ichimai, then it's even less common than I thought (if it's iron - ichimai in leather is fairly common).

Tyler, This is much more true than a revival armour (which I personally don't like so much), especially when one keeps in mind the fact that true items of battle had parts changed out all the time. Although they may not constitute a matching gusoku, all of the components are proper and give a good sense of battle armour.

I agree with Piers, it's a decent armour - especially for your first. I really like the high collar of the dou!

Arthur and Thomas, I too, have been wondering lately about the true origins of the mogamidô. primarily because so many known examples seem to be worn with Western kabuto, including the one with the ko-zunari in Arthur's Feb. 19th post, the famous one in Leeds and several others with ko-toppai.

For me, even if the top section is original (doubtful), the overall ensemble is not harmonious.

It would be good to seen images of the entire menpo.

They actually seem to be in decent shape, except for the ieji (fabric backing). Cheap for what they are.

Excellent and fascinating article - thanks for sharing, Peter!