Set Of Kawari Kabuto Type War Helmet With Its Mempo. Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868)

KAWARI KABUTO WAR HELMET and mempo set.
Japan, Edo period (1603-1868) 
Iron, wood, lacquer, braid.

Kawari Kabuto type helmet, evoking the hairstyle of Zen priests. It is covered with thick black lacquer. The front is adorned with a mòn forming a burgundy “Mato” disk.
Pair of short side fins (fukigaeshi), black lacquered.
Black-painted iron visor (mabisashi) with gold-painted edging and rivets; red-lacquered on the inside.
The neck cover (shikoro) is articulated with four black-lacquered and black-braided iron strips, fastened by four rivets featuring cherry blossoms.
On the back is space for an ornament (ushirodate).
The interior is lined with fabric.

The mempo is made of black-lacquered iron; the nose is removable. Remains of red and gold lacquer on the lips and teeth. This facial protection should have been adorned with a moustache; this is missing and has been restored.
The gorgerin (yodarekake) with four black lamellae is woven in midnight blue.

Good condition overall, with cracks in the lacquer but no missing parts.

Sold with its base. 

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP5295