Kabuto - Japan Edo Period (1600-1868)

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At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art.


ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Zunari Kabuto with Large Crescent-Ring Wakidate – Iron Construction, Edo Period

A samurai helmet of zunari (head-shaped) form, the bowl worked from forged iron plates finished in a deep, glossy black lacquer. The smooth, rounded bowl rises to a low peak, fitted at the front with a small kanamono (metal fitting/ring mount) in gilt bronze, and flanked by hoate (cheek guards) worked in matching black lacquer with gilt rivets.

The helmet's defining feature is a dramatic pair of wakidate (side ornaments): a continuous crescent or full-ring form carved from wood and finished in applied gold leaf (kinpaku), textured with a fine hammered-effect surface throughout and rising well above the bowl on either side — evoking either a stylized moon (tsuki), a bull/ox horn form, or a variant kuwagata-type design treated as one unbroken arc rather than the more common paired-horn silhouette. Each wood-and-gold-leaf horn is fitted into a brass mounting base at the point where it meets the bowl. The brass mounting tangs pass into sockets at the sides of the bowl, consistent with a genuine, functional fitting rather than a later decorative addition.

A five-lame shikoro (neck guard) descends from the bowl's rim, black lacquered with dark blue-grey odoshi cording securing each lame, and gilt rivets at the upper courses. The interior, visible in the rear-view photograph, retains original quilted lining with red-lacquered mabizashi trim and its original suspension cords, in keeping with genuine period construction and wear.

The scale and boldness of the wakidate — rising well above the height of the bowl itself — indicates a helmet intended to project strong visual presence and individual identification on the battlefield or in procession, consistent with good quality Edo-period commissioned armor.

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