Kabuto (1) - Japan - 1930-1980

03
days
05
hours
26
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10
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Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 400 - € 450
BE
€1

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Decorative Japanese Jūkken Suji Kabuto helmet with ten ridges, large iron kuwagata crests, and a central maedate, dating from roughly the mid-20th century Showa period, made in Japan; dimensions 33.1 cm high, 51.3 cm wide, 42.0 cm deep, weight 2810 g; in relatively good condition with signs of aging.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This is a Japanese Jūkken Suji Kabuto (十間筋兜), a decorative samurai helmet featuring ten raised ridges and an impressive pair of large kuwagata (antler-shaped crests) with a central sword-shaped ornament.

The helmet is believed to date from approximately the Shōwa period (mid-20th century).

Its elegant bowl is constructed with ten pronounced ridges that faithfully reproduce the appearance of traditional samurai helmets. The bold kuwagata crest and central ornament create a commanding silhouette reminiscent of the helmets worn by famous Japanese daimyō and legendary warriors.

It is thought to have originally been part of a complete decorative suit of armor (yoroi-kabuto), although its exact provenance is unknown.

The helmet retains many traditional decorative elements, including:

Ten-ridged kabuto bowl (Jūkken Suji Kabuto)
Large iron kuwagata (antler-shaped crests)
Central sword-shaped maedate
Beautifully decorated fukigaeshi (turned-back side guards) with traditional Japanese patterns
Layered shikoro (neck guard)
Decorative cords

The piece shows signs of age, including minor wear, scratches, fading, stains, and slight aging of the materials. These characteristics are consistent with its age and enhance its authentic historical atmosphere.

Symbolism of the Kabuto
For centuries, samurai helmets have symbolized:

Courage and strength
Protection and good fortune
Success and achievement
Honor and the spirit of Bushidō

The impressive kuwagata crest was designed not only to intimidate opponents on the battlefield but also to express the rank, prestige, and individuality of the wearer.

Because kabuto are regarded as powerful protective symbols, they continue to be displayed in Japanese homes and businesses as auspicious objects believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune.

Despite being lightweight enough for practical display, this helmet possesses a commanding presence and is ideally suited for:

Japanese interiors
Samurai and armor collections
Tea rooms and traditional spaces
Restaurants, galleries, and store displays
Wabi-sabi and historical art collections

Its bold silhouette, richly decorated fukigaeshi, and elegant ten-ridged construction beautifully capture the timeless aesthetics of traditional Japanese armor.

This is a striking decorative kabuto that embodies the dignity, craftsmanship, and enduring spirit of the Japanese samurai tradition.

Decorative Jūkken Suji Kabuto featuring large iron kuwagata and traditional ornamental details are increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese arms and armor. With its impressive proportions, beautifully aged appearance, and unmistakable samurai presence, this helmet would make a distinguished centerpiece in any collection or interior inspired by Japanese history and culture.

HEIGHT 33.1 cm
WIDTH 51.3 cm
DEPTH 42.0 cm
WEIGHT 2810 g

Condition:
The item is in relatively good condition, but shows signs of aging such as stains, scratches, tears, fading, dirt, other damage, fastener wear, and loose threads. There is a slight indentation behind the front placket. Please be sure to examine the numerous photos before purchasing.

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. 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.

071416050721

Seller's Story

Thank you very much for showing interest in the item. I have been working as an antique dealer in Japan for about 10 years. I have visited around 10,000 customers' homes to procure items. The items I am selling on Catawiki are sourced from all over Japan. Based on my past experiences, I search for and list items with good taste. Please check out my sales page and enjoy browsing through the various other items I have listed.

This is a Japanese Jūkken Suji Kabuto (十間筋兜), a decorative samurai helmet featuring ten raised ridges and an impressive pair of large kuwagata (antler-shaped crests) with a central sword-shaped ornament.

The helmet is believed to date from approximately the Shōwa period (mid-20th century).

Its elegant bowl is constructed with ten pronounced ridges that faithfully reproduce the appearance of traditional samurai helmets. The bold kuwagata crest and central ornament create a commanding silhouette reminiscent of the helmets worn by famous Japanese daimyō and legendary warriors.

It is thought to have originally been part of a complete decorative suit of armor (yoroi-kabuto), although its exact provenance is unknown.

The helmet retains many traditional decorative elements, including:

Ten-ridged kabuto bowl (Jūkken Suji Kabuto)
Large iron kuwagata (antler-shaped crests)
Central sword-shaped maedate
Beautifully decorated fukigaeshi (turned-back side guards) with traditional Japanese patterns
Layered shikoro (neck guard)
Decorative cords

The piece shows signs of age, including minor wear, scratches, fading, stains, and slight aging of the materials. These characteristics are consistent with its age and enhance its authentic historical atmosphere.

Symbolism of the Kabuto
For centuries, samurai helmets have symbolized:

Courage and strength
Protection and good fortune
Success and achievement
Honor and the spirit of Bushidō

The impressive kuwagata crest was designed not only to intimidate opponents on the battlefield but also to express the rank, prestige, and individuality of the wearer.

Because kabuto are regarded as powerful protective symbols, they continue to be displayed in Japanese homes and businesses as auspicious objects believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune.

Despite being lightweight enough for practical display, this helmet possesses a commanding presence and is ideally suited for:

Japanese interiors
Samurai and armor collections
Tea rooms and traditional spaces
Restaurants, galleries, and store displays
Wabi-sabi and historical art collections

Its bold silhouette, richly decorated fukigaeshi, and elegant ten-ridged construction beautifully capture the timeless aesthetics of traditional Japanese armor.

This is a striking decorative kabuto that embodies the dignity, craftsmanship, and enduring spirit of the Japanese samurai tradition.

Decorative Jūkken Suji Kabuto featuring large iron kuwagata and traditional ornamental details are increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese arms and armor. With its impressive proportions, beautifully aged appearance, and unmistakable samurai presence, this helmet would make a distinguished centerpiece in any collection or interior inspired by Japanese history and culture.

HEIGHT 33.1 cm
WIDTH 51.3 cm
DEPTH 42.0 cm
WEIGHT 2810 g

Condition:
The item is in relatively good condition, but shows signs of aging such as stains, scratches, tears, fading, dirt, other damage, fastener wear, and loose threads. There is a slight indentation behind the front placket. Please be sure to examine the numerous photos before purchasing.

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. 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.

071416050721

Seller's Story

Thank you very much for showing interest in the item. I have been working as an antique dealer in Japan for about 10 years. I have visited around 10,000 customers' homes to procure items. The items I am selling on Catawiki are sourced from all over Japan. Based on my past experiences, I search for and list items with good taste. Please check out my sales page and enjoy browsing through the various other items I have listed.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Jūkken Suji Kabuto 十間筋兜, Steel
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition, see description
Height
33.1 cm
Width
51.3 cm
Depth
42 cm
Weight
2810 g
Estimated period
1930-1980
JapanVerified
2215
Objects sold
99.29%
protop

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