Description: Japanese Edo Period 1600/1800) Samurai fireman's "Kaji Kabuto" made from papier mache' covered with thin copper sheeting material and nickel plated in a dull finish.This example has been made to mimic a 48 plate helmet shell but is all one piece with ornamental raised dividers to make it look like individual plates.The visor and outer lipped edge of the helmet have been engraved with golden clouds of smoke signifying service in the fire corps.When complete, these helmets would have a long neck, shoulder, and back cowl, made from heavy wool felt, leather, or padded muslim, which this example is missing. Also missing (as with most Kabuto) is the "Maidate' ". A maidate' being an ornament which slips upon the L shaped hook on the lower front portion of the helmet and can represent anything found within the world of flora and fauna, some maidate' being quite unusual in appearance. Often times the maidate' is of a families coat of arms known to the Japanese as a "Mon". This helmet has remnants of it's original wearing/chin straps and partial lining. The interior of the helmet is made of papier mache' covered by nickel plated copper, the papier mache' being signed but in this case is insignificant in regard to value.

History: Kabuto are a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors and in later periods kabuto became an important part of the traditional Japanese armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.Pre-samurai Japanese helmets from the 5th century have been found in excavated tombs. Called mabizashi-tsuke kabuto (visor attached helmet), the style of these ancient helmets came from China and Korea and they had a pronounced central ridge.Kabuto were a prominent and important part of the equipment of the Samurai, and played a symbolic role, as well.Nowadays, smaller-sized Japanese armour and kabuto are bought and kept by Japanese people as personal decor or are a seasonal home decoration item displayed during the Boys' Festival/May 5 for expressing the hope that each boy in the family will grow up healthy and strong.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 3 | Height(in) = 13 | Width(in) = 15 | Depth(in) = 13

Size of Artwork(in): 9.5 x 12.5 x 13.25"

Artist Name: N/A

Medium: Metal/Leather/Cloth

Circa: 1600-1877

Good condition with some loose but intact fittings. The "ears" of the helmet are missing their central design. Liner is incomplete and the neck cowl is missing. Will display nicely.