War Helmet Called Kabuto, Of The Za-boshi Type - Japan - Meiji Period (1868-1910)

WAR HELMET known as KABUTO, za-boshi type
Japan
Meiji period (1868–1910)
Iron, lacquer, silk, wood

Za-boshi type kabuto; iron hachi with sixteen slats and eighty-six protruding rivets; gilded brass fittings.
Tehen in chiselled brass with a stylised chrysanthemum and foliage motifs.
Orange silk agemaki.
Shikoro with two gold-lacquered wooden slats, braided with orange silk.
Fukigaeshi in gold-lacquered wood and brass chiselled with floral motifs, covered with felt featuring floral and geometric patterns; clan mon on each side.
Mabizashi / maebashi decorated in sequence.
Maedate in polychrome wood representing the dragon Ryū.
Kuwagat in gilded brass, with two stylised hearts.

The kabuto is an object steeped in tradition in Japanese culture. An integral part of military armour, it was worn by high-ranking samurai.

Ref.: 6771

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON