Kabuto - Japan - Samurai Armour Helmet – Momonari Kabuto with Hanbo Half Face Mask with Throat Guard Edo Period (1600-1868)

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

・Please note that obtaining the necessary export permit for this antique kabuto typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks, so kindly be aware of this timeline in advance.

【Product details】

This Edo period iron armour kabuto helmet is crafted in the distinctive Momonari style, a design that first emerged in the Muromachi period (14th–16th century) and became especially widespread during the Sengoku period (1467–1603). Characterised by its peach-shaped silhouette, the Momonari kabuto was originally valued for its practicality and mass-producibility, making it suitable for ashigaru (foot soldiers) and mid-ranking samurai. By the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603), more refined examples were also favoured by the retainers of powerful warlords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The front crest is wooden, finished with lacquer mixed with gold powder, forming a striking decorative element.

Accompanying the helmet is a half face mask (hanbō) with a throat guard (tare), designed to protect the lower face, jaw, and neck. The interior is coated with vermilion lacquer, a traditional feature that not only enhanced durability but also offered symbolic protection.

Signs of age and use are present, including surface wear, cracks, chips, fraying of the cords, stains, and areas of grime. Sections of the black lacquer show retouching, with chips and hairline cracks also visible on the vermilion lacquered surfaces. These marks of time emphasise the helmet’s long history. Some part may have been restored or changed during its lifetime. Please examine the photos carefully for details of its condition.

Note: the stand is not included.

Dimensions of Kabuto (when displayed) : approx. H 32 cm W 30 cm D 31 cm
Dimensions of Mask: approx. H 19 cm W 16.5 cm D 11 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!