Kabuto (1) - Japan - 1650-1700 Early Edo period

Important Hineno-zunari samurai kabuto with a large circular golden maedate

Japan, Edo period, probably the 17th century

A striking and powerful Japanese iron, black-lacquered kabuto of the Hineno-zunari type, characterized by its functional, compact, and markedly martial construction, a typology closely linked to the development of armor intended for effective use in combat during the early centuries of the Edo period.

The hachi presents an elegant, tall, rounded shape, made from assembled iron plates and protected by a sober black lacquer surface, whose deep hue emphasizes the helmet’s architecture.

At the front it preserves the characteristic maedate support, accompanied by an extraordinary front circular ornament of large dimensions, gold-colored and configured as a solar ring (nichirin). Once placed, the maedate gives the overall silhouette a substantial visual impact, constituting the main symbolic and ceremonial element of the helmet.

The broad frontal mabisashi extends laterally toward small fukigaeshi, maintaining the powerful simplicity characteristic of this type of kabuto.

The neck protection is formed by a five-lam Hineno-jikoro, lacquered in black and joined by abundant cordage in a dark blue-green tone. Its construction, snug at the nape, provides the set with the compact profile typical of Hineno-jikoro, designed to offer good protection without excessively hindering the warrior’s mobility.

The helmet retains an attractive old surface, with occasional lacquer losses perfectly logical for its age, especially visible on some edges, ridges, and exposed areas. It also shows small scratches, wear, and localized lifts typical of a historical piece of this age. These alterations are clearly shown in the photographs and, far from devaluing the piece, allow appreciation of the surface and natural aging of the set.

The cordage also shows signs of age and use, yet remains sufficiently complete to preserve the original reading and structure of the shikoro.

Notably, the contrast between the austerity of the black-lacquered iron and the monumental golden circle of the maedate stands out—a visual device of extraordinary strength that would have made the wearer immediately recognizable on the battlefield or during a ceremony.

A samurai kabuto of great presence, martial character, and notable aesthetic quality, especially attractive to both collectors of Japanese armor and for individual display.

Conservation status: good considering its age. It shows lacquer losses and localized wear, small lifts and scuffs, as well as aging of the cordage. Inspect the photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description.

Main elements:
Hineno-zunari iron helmet bachi lacquered in black; mabisashi; small fukigaeshi; five-lam Hineno-jikoro with dark cordage; front support and large circular golden maedate.