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The Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armour
The Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armour
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The Property of a Gentleman
A kawari-kabuto [eccentrically shaped helmet] | Edo period, 19th century
Lot Closed
May 16, 12:12 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
The Property of a Gentleman
A kawari-kabuto [eccentrically shaped helmet]
Edo period, 19th century
the russet iron bowl in the form of a turban shell (sazae) with finely delineated grooves, russet iron peak, large turnbacks applied with copper-gilt encircled kuginuki kamon [stylised pincer crests] and stylised blossoms, black lacquered tiered neckguard laced in blue braid, linen interior lining
The bowl to peak: 26 cm., 10½ in.
Accompanied by a certificate of registration Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo [Especially Important Object], no. 2126 issued by the Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon-kai [The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armour], dated Reiwa 5 (2023)
Please note the lot is sold without the display stand illustrated.
The shell of the turbo is spiked to protect against predators, and such helmets were thus thought to give the wearer confidence and disquiet his enemies. The shape of the bowl, hammered and made from a single sheet of iron, was typical of the Ryoei school.
For another example of a kawari kabuto rendered in the form of a turbo shell, see Robert T. Singer, Edo: Art in Japan 1615-1868, (New Haven, 1998), no. 74, pg. 139