Dusty Old Kabuto?

[Redbaron]

This kabuto in fairly rough, dirty & dusty shape is being offered to me. The seller suggests it may be Edo but is unsure himself. I know this style of helmet is frequently produced by the modern reproduction makers, but believe these were also made during the Edo period?

 

The shikoro is made from about 250 leather plates, laced together, so a lot of work appears to have gone into making this kabuto. Is this even worth considering, is it worth anything?

 

I'd appreciate any opinions and guidance, I am a complete novice in Japanese Armour...

 

Thanks, Gary

 

[Greg F]

Hi Gary I dont know much about armour and could be wrong but my guess is it looks modern and been left outside to age. Hope im wrong though.

 

Greg

[IanB]

Gary,  The helmet is probably Meiji period. I say this for two reasons: Firstly, what would have been stencilled leather on the peak and fukigayeshi of an older helmet is in fact cloth dyed with the same patterns used on these leathers. This was a short-cut you see on Meiji copies for the tourist trade. Secondly the scales of the neck-guard are rather large and only notionally lacquered - again a dodge to save the long and tedious process of lacquering real scales. Nevertheless, an interesting helmet that has some age that would make a nice display.

Ian Bottomley.

. 

[Luc T]

I would also say meiji. But a good quality tourist or boys festival product.

It is a copy of a kamakura era kabuto, the archaic but heroic era of the samurai.

[DaveT]

I'd say Showa period due to the shape of the zane.

[Redbaron]

Thank you all for your feedback. Given this is only a souvenir kabuto, I'm still amazed at the amount of work and detail that has gone into this helmet. To make up the shikoro from these laced plates is extraordinary, these craftsmen are truly skilled people, I would be interested to know how long it would take to make a kabuto like this, there are around 250 plates making up the shikoro alone, let alone the engraving etc! For a modern souvenir piece, this is remarkable. It's the first kabuto of this type I've inspected, so I'm quite impressed at the manufacturer's skill, I expect an Edo example would be even more impressive!

 

Thanks again, any idea on it's value? although I'll probably pass on it...

 

Best, Gary