~ Japanese Edo Period Kabuto Samurai Helmet And Mengu (Mask) ~
Kabuto is a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors, and in later periods, they became an important part of the traditional Japanese armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.
This helmet is a Suji Bachi Kabuto pattern with a Heichozan type dome.
The Hachi (dome/skull) is composed of overlapping elongated plates called tate hagi-no-it.
The Hoshi-bachi kabuto (star helmet bowl) with protruding rivet heads, have large rivets (o-boshi), small rivets (ko-boshi) and a rivet with a chrysantemoid-shaped washer at its base (za-boshi). Hoshi-bachi kabuto could also be suji bachi kabuto if there were raised ribs or ridges showing where the helmet plates came together.
The Tehen (the small opening at the top) of the hachi is fitted with a tehen kanamono (an ornamental grommet, resembling a chrysanthemum).
The Mabizashi (the visor) on the front of the hachi Is made of brass lined on the exterior with a flower decorated white felt and lined on the inside with soft brown leather.
The Ukebari (the cloth lining inside the hachi) is made of black fabric and the sweat band is made of the same printed felt as the one used on the visor.
The Tsunamoto (mounting point for attaching crests) is present along with the central brass chrysanthemum and one of the two flowers which kept the crest in place.
Both Fukigaeshi (wing-like or ear-like projections to the sides of the hachi) are present. Each is decorated with the same felt mentioned above along with a brass chrysanthemum and 6 red and 6 white parallel embroideries.
The Shikoro (the suspended neck guard composed of multiple overlapping lames) is complete.
The Shinobi-no-o (chin cord), used to secure the mengu (facial armor) is also present.
The Mengu (facial armor) is complete along with its strap and side hooks.
~ Dimensions ~
When the neck protection is folded the helmet’s width is 14 inches (35.5 cm) and its depth is 17 inches (43 cm) It stands 8 inches (20.3 cm) high.
The mask width is 7 inches (17.8 cm).
The set weighs 3.1 kg.
~ Condition ~
The set is in good condition for the age with the expected wear.
The crest is missing along with one of its floral shaped brass mounts.
The felt is worn but parts of its decorations are still visible.
The lining of the helmet is excellent as is part of its sweatband. There are some tears on it on the front side.
The silk chin strap is excellent.
Most of the paint is perfectly preserved.
The facial armor is excellent and, as said above, complete. The chin part has some age pitting.
The helmet and the facial armor are rust free.
