Bakamatsu Kabuto

Era: Latest Edo (Bakumatsu)

Region: Central Japan

This is the first time that we have seen a kabuto like this. Such helmets can be viewed in wood block prints of the battles that took place in the late Edo period, however, very few of these are seen on the market. This represents the intermediate design between modern helmets and traditional samurai helmets. It is very well constructed out of two pieces; a bowl and a mabizashi. Inside is a modern style retaining band for a liner (retained by brass rivets), however, the liner is a traditional samurai ukebari (hand made liner) The edge of the kabuto is finished with a brass fukurin, and the mabizashi is held on with brass rivets. The maedate is a cherry blossom design engraved and hammered on a brass plate that was originall the tile end cape of a shrine tile. It can be removed and the cherry blossom affiliation would indicate that the wearer was loyal to the emperor. A very rare piece in excellent condition.
 

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