Ιαπωνικό κράνος Jingasa - Jingasa with Yotsu Ichō Crest 四つ銀杏紋 – Μαύρη λακαριστή επιφάνεια με χρυσή λεπτομέρεια - Ιαπωνία

Japanese Jingasa (陣笠), a traditional hat worn by samurai and foot soldiers.

The helmet features a refined black lacquer finish accented by a bold vertical gold stripe, creating a striking contrast and elegant appearance. On the side, a partially worn yet clearly identifiable Yotsu Ichō crest (四つ銀杏紋) is visible.

About the Yotsu Ichō Crest (四つ銀杏紋)
The ginkgo (ichō) leaf is a deeply symbolic motif in Japanese culture. Known for its resilience, the ginkgo tree can survive harsh conditions and live for centuries, making it a symbol of endurance, longevity, and renewal.

The “Yotsu Ichō” design, featuring four stylized ginkgo leaves, was historically associated with samurai families and institutions of authority. It is also famously linked to powerful clans and later adopted in various official and cultural contexts, reinforcing its association with strength, stability, and prestige.

Historical Context
Jin-gasa were widely used by samurai and ashigaru (foot soldiers) as practical headgear for protection against sun, rain, and minor impacts. At the same time, they served as identifiers on the battlefield, often decorated with family crests.

The combination of black lacquer, gold accents, and a clan emblem suggests both functionality and a strong sense of identity.

Condition and Details
Material: Lacquered construction (likely wood or paper base)
Finish: Black lacquer with gold stripe
Crest: Yotsu Ichō (ginkgo) motif
Condition: Relatively good condition with age-related wear (hard to date, end of 19th ?) and some surface loss to the crest
Interior: Inner head cushion appears to have been replaced and is not original

Jingasa:
"Jingasa" is a hat that foot soldiers and miscellaneous soldiers used in the camp from the Muromachi period onwards. It was worn to protect the head as a substitute for a helmet.
Jingasa were made of thin iron, leather, paper, and similar materials, with lacquer applied to the surface. In later times, lacquered hats with upturned edges were used for the outings of samurai. Over time, they evolved into items that incorporated artistic designs and materials reflecting social status and class.
During the Edo period, they were often black lacquered with the family crest in gold, and were used by the shogun and his vassals for outdoor activities.

Height: 14.7 cm
Width: 33.0 cm
Depth: 36.1 cm
Weight: 420 g

Condition:
There are scratches, scuffs, stains, peeling, dents, mold, and other damage, but it is in good condition considering its age. We have posted many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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