This is a very rare iron Hachi-ken striped jingasa hat 鉄地八間筋陣笠 from the Edo period. According to the accompanying information, this piece is said to have been handed down within the Kuki 九鬼 family of the Sanda Domain in Settsu Province (present-day Hyogo Prefecture). The most distinctive feature of this jingasa is its impressive hachiken-suji 八間筋 (eight-plate ribbed construction) made from overlapping iron plates. The iron body is finished in elegant black lacquer, creating a powerful yet refined samurai aesthetic. The front bears a beautifully executed Seven-Star Crest (Shichiyō-mon 七曜紋) rendered in gold lacquer. This crest symbolizes celestial protection and authority and was associated with warrior families and martial prestige. About the Kuki 九鬼 Clan The Kuki 九鬼 family traces its origins to the famous naval commanders known as the Kuki Navy (Kuki Suigun 九鬼水軍), active during the Sengoku period in Shima Province (present-day Mie Prefecture). The clan’s most celebrated leader was Kuki Yoshitaka 九鬼嘉隆, a powerful naval daimyo who supported both Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi during their campaigns to unify Japan. Yoshitaka became famous for commanding armored warships known as Tekkōsen and defeating the Mori navy during the Ishiyama War, earning the Kuki Navy a reputation as one of the strongest naval forces of the Sengoku era. During the Battle of Sekigahara, the family divided politically in order to preserve the clan: Yoshitaka sided with the Western Army, while his son Kuki Moritaka 九鬼守隆 joined the Eastern Army. After Yoshitaka’s tragic death, Moritaka became the first lord of the Toba Domain. Later, internal succession disputes divided the family into two branches: the Sanda Domain branch in Settsu and the Ayabe Domain branch in Tanba. Both families survived into the Meiji era and were eventually elevated to the rank of viscount (shishaku). Because of this distinguished samurai and naval history, artifacts connected to the Kuki family are highly valued among collectors of Japanese armor and historical objects. Jingasa were lightweight protective hats worn by samurai and ashigaru (foot soldiers) from the Muromachi through Edo periods. Unlike heavy battlefield helmets, jingasa were practical for travel, military processions, guard duty, and official outings. Over time, they evolved into refined status symbols featuring lacquer work and family crests. Type: Japanese samurai jingasa (battle hat) Material: Iron plate construction with black lacquer finish Structure: Rare hachiken-suji (eight-plate ribbed construction) Crest: Gold lacquer Seven-Star crest (Shichiyō-mon 七曜紋) Period: Edo period Provenance: Said to be from the Kuki 九鬼 clan of the Sanda Domain Style: Authentic samurai military equipment with strong decorative presence Atmosphere: Powerful wabi-sabi and historical samurai aesthetic “This is an exceptionally atmospheric samurai jingasa connected to the historic Kuki 九鬼 clan, combining powerful iron construction with elegant Edo-period craftsmanship rarely encountered today.” Height: 13.0 cm Width: 33.5 cm Depth: 33.3 cm Weight: 900 g Condition: It is in good condition for an item from the Edo period. There is some damage such as scratches, scuffs, rust, peeling, discoloration, dents, and chips, but considering its age, I think it is in good condition. Many photos are included, 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. 050820500521