THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN GENTLEMAN

A thirty-two-plate kabuto (helmet)
Signed Nobuhisa saku (made by Nobuhisa), Edo period (17th - 18th century), re-fitted in 19th century
The helmet comprising a russet iron bachi (bowl) of thirty two overlapping undulating-edged riveted plates, the hachimanza (decorative surround to the central aperture at the crown) of five tiers of gilt chrysanthemum form, shikoro (neck guard) of four tiers of black-lacquered iron itazane ( solid sheet), the fukigaeshi (turned-back portion of the shikoro) and mabisashi (peak) clad with stenciled leather and with gilt fukurin (edging), the fukigaeshi with shakudo (black alloy of copper and gold) roundel mon (badges) of idaki-hiiragi (opposed holly leaves), central gilt fixture for a maedate (forecrest).

Accompanied by a certificate as Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo (especially valuable material) by the Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon Kai (Society for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Armour) number 1531 issued on 22nd November in 2009