Antique Late Edo Period Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-62) Period: Late Edo Period (1781-1867) appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on March 15th 2026. Kabuto (helmet) ■Helmet bowl: Suji Kabuto The kabuto (helmet) served as essential head protection for the samurai. While early helmets were designed primarily for practical use, over time they came to express the warrior’s dignity, individuality, and even religious beliefs. From the late Muromachi period to the Edo period, more decorative helmets known as kawari kabuto (unusual or exotic helmets) appeared, often adorned with materials such as animal fur, seashells, plants, or paper. Among the more practical designs, the suji kabuto (ridged helmet) became highly valued. Its bowl was constructed with raised ridges designed to deflect the strikes of swords, reducing their impact. This innovation also contributed to weight reduction, meeting the demands of changing battle tactics in the 14th–16th centuries. Production of suji kabuto flourished during the Muromachi period. This example is a Sanjūniken Suji Kabuto (Thirty-Two Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 32 individual iron plates to form the helmet bowl, with radiating ridges that combine both beauty and functionality. The use of such a high number of plates created a smoother, more rounded silhouette, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of armorers of the time. Furthermore, at the very top of the helmet bowl is the tehen-no-ana (天辺の穴, “top opening”), which in this piece is adorned with an intricate design: a chrysanthemum flower at the center. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility and longevity, famously associated with the Imperial family. The arabesque motif, depicting endlessly extending vines, represents vitality, prosperity, and the flourishing of descendants. Originally, the tehen-no-ana was a functional opening through which the warrior’s topknot (mage) would protrude. However, as it provided an easy target for enemy attacks, this practice gradually disappeared around the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Thereafter, the opening lost its practical use and instead became a space for elaborate decoration, as seen in this example. ■Shikoro (side neck guard): ■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard) The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive function by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also providing space for decorative designs that indicated a warrior’s status and affiliation. The fukikaeshi of this helmet bear the Taka no ha-mon (鷹の羽紋, hawk feather crest), one of the most iconic family crests in Japan. Hawks have long captivated people with the elegance of their flight and the fierceness they display when pursuing prey. For the samurai class in particular, the hawk was an object of admiration. In addition, hawks were closely associated with humans through the practice of falconry (takagari), where they played an active role in hunting. Because of their powerful image and their deep connection with people, hawks came to symbolize strength and authority. From this cultural background, the Taka no ha-mon emerged and spread widely among warrior families. The underlying decorative motif appears to be Kara-jishi Botan (唐獅子牡丹), a traditional design combining a Chinese lion (karajishi) and peonies. This motif symbolizes courage, nobility, and protection, with the lion representing strength and the peony—often called the “king of flowers”—signifying wealth and elegance. Together, they form an auspicious design frequently associated with the warrior class and protective symbolism. ■Menpo (face guard): Ressēmen (烈勢面) This type of menpō (face guard) is called a ressēmen (烈勢面). The name literally means “fierce expression mask.” As the term suggests, it was crafted to give the wearer a fearsome look on the battlefield. Such masks not only provided pro

Antique Late Edo Period Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-62) Period: Late Edo Period (1781-1867) appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on March 15th 2026. Kabuto (helmet) ■Helmet bowl: Suji Kabuto The kabuto (helmet) served as essential head protection for the samurai. While early helmets were designed primarily for practical use, over time they came to express the warrior’s dignity, individuality, and even religious beliefs. From the late Muromachi period to the Edo period, more decorative helmets known as kawari kabuto (unusual or exotic helmets) appeared, often adorned with materials such as animal fur, seashells, plants, or paper. Among the more practical designs, the suji kabuto (ridged helmet) became highly valued. Its bowl was constructed with raised ridges designed to deflect the strikes of swords, reducing their impact. This innovation also contributed to weight reduction, meeting the demands of changing battle tactics in the 14th–16th centuries. Production of suji kabuto flourished during the Muromachi period. This example is a Sanjūniken Suji Kabuto (Thirty-Two Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 32 individual iron plates to form the helmet bowl, with radiating ridges that combine both beauty and functionality. The use of such a high number of plates created a smoother, more rounded silhouette, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of armorers of the time. Furthermore, at the very top of the helmet bowl is the tehen-no-ana (天辺の穴, “top opening”), which in this piece is adorned with an intricate design: a chrysanthemum flower at the center. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility and longevity, famously associated with the Imperial family. The arabesque motif, depicting endlessly extending vines, represents vitality, prosperity, and the flourishing of descendants. Originally, the tehen-no-ana was a functional opening through which the warrior’s topknot (mage) would protrude. However, as it provided an easy target for enemy attacks, this practice gradually disappeared around the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Thereafter, the opening lost its practical use and instead became a space for elaborate decoration, as seen in this example. ■Shikoro (side neck guard): ■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard) The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive function by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also providing space for decorative designs that indicated a warrior’s status and affiliation. The fukikaeshi of this helmet bear the Taka no ha-mon (鷹の羽紋, hawk feather crest), one of the most iconic family crests in Japan. Hawks have long captivated people with the elegance of their flight and the fierceness they display when pursuing prey. For the samurai class in particular, the hawk was an object of admiration. In addition, hawks were closely associated with humans through the practice of falconry (takagari), where they played an active role in hunting. Because of their powerful image and their deep connection with people, hawks came to symbolize strength and authority. From this cultural background, the Taka no ha-mon emerged and spread widely among warrior families. The underlying decorative motif appears to be Kara-jishi Botan (唐獅子牡丹), a traditional design combining a Chinese lion (karajishi) and peonies. This motif symbolizes courage, nobility, and protection, with the lion representing strength and the peony—often called the “king of flowers”—signifying wealth and elegance. Together, they form an auspicious design frequently associated with the warrior class and protective symbolism. ■Menpo (face guard): Ressēmen (烈勢面) This type of menpō (face guard) is called a ressēmen (烈勢面). The name literally means “fierce expression mask.” As the term suggests, it was crafted to give the wearer a fearsome look on the battlefield. Such masks not only provided pro