Early Toppai Kabuto

ERA: Momoyama Period

STYLE: Toppai

REGION: Central Honshu – Kinki, Kyoto, Nara

SCHOOL: Haruta


Here is an excellently preserved early form toppai kabuto. The hachi and uchimabizashi (eyebrow uchidashi) are preserved in their original state, though the current mabizashi (visor)  was added in the early Edo period as was the shikoro.  Sometime thereafter, perhaps contemporaneously, it was re-lacquered in the current red and black mottled lacquer style indicative of the Kaga clan.  It can be seen through a hole in the Ukebari that this kabuto originally had shiten no ana (holes for attachment of a rain cape) and that they were covered when the Edo lacquer was applied so they are not visible from the outside. The uchidashi mabizashi is indicative of early Toppai style- circa late 1500s.

This kabuto warrants praise in having so much of its original parts preserved. Kabuto as old as this one in such a good condition are difficult to come by at any price. This kabuto is scheduled to be displayed in my upcoming publication on Toppai kabuto. This is a very good opportunity to purchase a very old piece in excellent condition that a lot can be learned from.

Price on Request