Red Japanese Samurai Kawari Kabuto Helmet Iseebi

Impressive Kawari kabuto zunari type samurai helmet. The Kawari kabutos, or strange helmet, were first used in the Momoyama period, a period of intense civil warfare. Armorers began to build fantastic shapes on top of the simple helmets in harikake (papier-mache mixed with lacquer over a wooden armature) these shapes mimicked forms from Japanese culture and mythology, including fish, cow horns, and with this particular one, the Iseebi, a Japanese spiny lobster that lives in the Pacific Ocean around Japan. The shell of an Iseebi, or a shrimp, evokes the solidity of a real armor. More from the Bakumatsu period (1853-1868), this wonderful zunari type helmet in rare red lacquer is in very good condition. The large Iseebi that covers it is a work of art, all in details and texture, in papier-mache. Note: the large Iseebi may have/ or had been glued back in place in its life. Comes with original kabuto hitsu box and wooden stand. Helmet measures 20 inches H x 17 deep x 12 W.

Condition: Although care is taken to photograph and describe the item, absence of a condition report does not imply perfect condition. It is the responsibility of the buyer to verify the condition of the item, either in person during our viewing hours prior to auction or through requested condition reports. All bids are final and are subject to our terms and conditions.