Horagai, Battle Horn Made From A Giant Conch Shell, Late Edo Period

Magnificient Jinkai or Horagai, battle horn, Giant Conch, from the late Edo period (18th century)

Shipping costs not included.

This Jinkai (for battle) or Horagai (for Yamabushi, soldier monks) is a traditional musical instrument of Japanese culture, made from a giant Triton shell (conch).

This type of horn was used either by the Yamabushi for rituals or by some Samurai on the battlefields to transmit orders.

The Horagai is made from a giant Triton shell (conch).

It is equipped with a lacquered bamboo mouthpiece.

The instrument is surrounded by a retaining cord.

Approximate size: 35 cm x 16 cm x 17 cm
Very good condition for a fragile antique object (just a small chip on an edge).
Very beautiful old patina which gives this object this characteristic color.

Historical reminder:

The Horagai appeared in Japan in the 8th century, when Shugendo, a spiritual tradition inspired by esoteric Buddhism, spread across the archipelago after the death of its founder En no Gyoja. It was used as an instrument to accompany ritual dances and as a means of communication in the mountains by the Yamabushi, mountain ascetics who were followers of Shugendo.

In the Muromachi era (1333-1573), the Horagai made its entrance onto the battlefields. Called Jinkai, it was used as a war horn, associated with Taiko (drums), in order to support the ardor of the Samurai troops engaged in combat and to set the rhythm for the implementation of military tactics.

The feudal lords recruited their Jinkai players, the Kaiyaku, among the most experienced Yamabushi.