48 Plate Suji Kabuto & Hampo

ERA: Muromachi-Momoyama Period

STYLE: 48 plate Suji kabuto with hampo

SCHOOL: Likely Haruta

REGION: Central Japan

SIGNATURE: None visible


It is the goal of many advanced collectors to attain pieces which are as old and little changed as possible. This piece is essentially as it appeared before the battle of Osaka.  In the first half of the 1500s we find that 62 plate kabutos are for the most part non-extant.  From the Mid to late Muromachi period we see other “odd” but high numbered plate kabutos 40, 48, 54, 58, 60, but not usually 62.   However from the Momoyama period 62 plate kabutos became more and more common amongst the elite.  It is likely that the effervescence of the 62 plate kabuto during the Momoyama period took place due to the rising demand and resulting mass production which would have relied upon repeatable patterns. This kabuto predates this period of mass production, and is made with an unusual 48 plates.

This kabuto started life sometime in the first half of the 1500s. The hachi is about as “ubu” (original) as you can get. It has its original mabizashi (visor) and original koshimaki (band at the bottom which wraps around the plates holding them together). Though the koshimaki is original, it has been turned down.  Upon production, it flared-out at ~90 degree angle to the hachi to support an umbrella shaped shikoro (neck guard) that went out of style in later periods. The koshimaki was simply folded down on itself, but remains completely intact. Sometime from the late 1500s-early 1600s the current kebiki kiritsuke kozane hineno shikoro was added, and the kabuto was given the current russet lacquer at that time. The kanamono (decorative metal fittings) are original to this period as well. The liner is still intact, and through a small tear, you can see that the iron is in excellent condition underneath. The hampo (half face protector) dates to the same period as the last change made to this kabuto, that being the late 1500s-early 1600s. The condition of the hampo is excellent, and the general condition of the kabuto is very good, though there are some hairline cracks and a small chip in the visor. This set is a great opportunity to get two early pieces at a great price.

 

SOLD