Description
About US:
Our photographs are taken without retouching or photoshop to ensure that the customer can judge the reality of the object.
Thanks to a constant work directly with the best collectors, museums and galleries in Japan and friendship with them, along with a profit margin much lower than the European competition we can offer objects so that many people can choose to have authentic pieces with hundreds of years at more than competitive prices. After all, samurai art is our passion and we want to share it with the world.
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto.
Edo period (1615-1868)
Magnificent Japanese kawari kabuto (eccentric-style helmet) from the Edo period (19th century), signed inside by 寿山 Jyuzan, accompanied by his kaō (personal seal) —a mark of a master craftsman.
The design draws inspiration from a demonic face (oni-men), symbolizing spiritual protection and strength. The main structure is iron, while the sculpted frontal demon mask is crafted from hardened wood coated with urushi lacquer and metallic pigments, giving it the illusion of aged bronze. This material combination creates a deeply expressive relief, with pronounced eyes, horns, and organic folds that convey both intensity and life.
Flanking the helmet are two large gourds (hyōtan) carved from wood, entirely covered with gold leaf, from which rise two long, elegant antennae —forming a spectacular maedate rich in symbolism. The hyōtan, or gourd, was a symbol of prosperity, longevity, and divine protection, and was often used by samurai of high rank as a personal crest (mon). The box for the gourds wakidates is included.
The shikoro (neck guard) is composed of several black-lacquered plates laced together with leather cords, maintaining flexibility and an elegant contrast with the golden ornamentation. The hammered surface of the iron bowl (hachi) shows a natural, antique patina consistent with Edo-period craftsmanship.
The interior bears a red lacquer signature reading 寿山 (Jyuzan) followed by a kaō, confirming the work of a skilled master craftsman active in the 18th century. The combination of iron, wood, lacquer, and gold —alongside the powerful oni motif— makes this kabuto an outstanding example of Edo-period kawari artistry, embodying both protection and symbolic grandeur.
Technical Sheet:
Type: Kawari kabuto (eccentric helmet)
Period: Edo (18th-19th century)
Maker: 寿山 (Jyuzan), with kaō
Materials: Iron, wood, urushi lacquer, gold leaf
Decoration: Demon face (oni-men) in lacquered wood with metallic finish
Maedate: Double hyōtan (gourd) carved in wood and gilded with gold leaf, extended with golden antennae
Lacquer: Black urushi on the shikoro, gold leaf on ornaments
Condition: Excellent overall preservation, natural patina, minor oxidation on metallic parts
Inscription (inside): 寿山 (Jyuzan) with kaō, in red lacquer
