Edo period (17th - 18th century)

Details

A Nanban Kabuto [Helmet]
Edo period (17th - 18th century)
The russet iron helmet formed essentially from two major side pieces and a frontal piece, worked and hammered with raised curved ridges giving a feeling of flowing motion to the helmet, iron fukurin [edging] at fore and rear cover the major joints, four vertical curved rows of cylindrical studs intimate the decorative rivets of the traditional Japanese ‘hoshi-bachi’ on a piece which would otherwise have had a more European ambiance

Brought to you by

Anastasia von Seibold

avonseibold@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3127

Lot Essay

The decorative wave-form surround to the bottom edge of the bowl is also found on the Nanban-inspired work of the 16th and 17th century helmet makers of Saika in Kii province. A gold-rimmed ‘boar’s eye’ heart-shaped aperture at the crown would probably have held a decorative bow. The red lacquered five-tiered iron plate Hineno-style shikoro [neck guard] has fukikaeshi [turned -back portions] with gilt fukurin and applied gilt Shonai katabami mon [woodsorrel family crest].

More from Art of Japan

View All