Dai Enzan Kabuto

ERA: Momoyama-Early Edo 1600-1690

STYLE: Daienzan style hoshikabuto

REGION: Central to southern Honshu

SCHOOL: Haruta

SIGNATURE: None visible

This kabuto is what may be classed as a period replica of a Kamakura-Nambokucho era hachi remounted with a tosei shikoro. The reason that I say period replica is that this kabuto was made from the end of the Momoyama era to the beginning of the Edo period by smiths who were imitating older examples that did actually date to the kamakura period and were refitted with later shikoro. It is well known that such examples of retrofitted hachi existed and were used later during the sengoku period and there are several famous examples that were part of daimyo collections during the Momoyama period. I have seen only two examples which are actually kamakura hachi that were refitted. The handful of other pieces are in the same category as this kabuto being Momoyama period replicas of the Kamakura period originals. A revival period of the “Kamakura Dai enzan” style kabuto happened in the bakumatsu period as well, however, the bakumatsu pieces are completely different in style than this particular style of “retrofitted kamakura hachi” which were made from Momoyama-Early Edo. This piece has a nice deep dark brown lacquer which is a common hallmark to pieces dating to the Momoyama period. The condition is overall excellent with a flea bite to the lacquer here or there. The wakidate are likely later additions, however, they date to the Edo period. This kabuto has a long and interesting story to tell and the condition makes it a attractive display piece. This kabuto comes with a special hand made wood storage box.
 

Price on Request

Currently on Loan to the Frazier Museum