Original 19th Century Japanese Samurai Edo Period Child Sized Ornate Enameled Kabuto Helmet Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. A Kabuto (兜, 冑) is a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors which, in later periods, became an important part of the traditional Japanese armor worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. In the Japanese language, the word kabuto is an appellative, not a type description, and can refer to any combat helmet. The design used for samurai helmets evolved over the centuries, and this example is typical of the design seen during the later part of the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country’s 300 regional daimyo.

It is however relatively small and definitely quite lightweight, with only the Fukigaeshi “wings” and some other components being magnetic. The other parts look to be laquered pressed wood, meaning this was more intended for display than for actual use, probably intended for the child of someone of some importance. It also may have been used during “Children’s Day”, when samurai armor would be displayed, and often scaled down versions were used, as they were easier to transport and set up.

Regardless, it definitely shows very high quality construction, and the rear Shikoro, the suspended neck guard composed of multiple overlapping lames, is in wonderful condition and properly laced. All of the other components are completely correct in construction.

A very interesting scaled down Japanese Samurai helmet, ready to research and display!