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Kawari Kabuto Samurai Helmet — Tall Kuwagata Maedate with Gold Crest Motif (Edo-Style)
Kawari Kabuto Samurai Helmet — Tall Kuwagata Maedate with Gold Crest Motif (Edo-Style)
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Kawari Kabuto Samurai Helmet — Tall Kuwagata Maedate
A dramatic Edo-period–style kawari kabuto distinguished by an exceptionally tall kuwagata-style maedate, the crest rising like paired blades above the bowl to create a silhouette that reads instantly at distance. The helmet’s visual program is direct and emblematic: an iron hachi with a bold gold roundel motif, paired with a towering frontal device that transforms the kabuto from protective form into heraldic sculpture.
The maedate is described as a Kaga-domain taste in spirit—an aesthetic often associated with boldness of crest and clarity of emblem. Collector-safe note: “Kaga-style” is best treated as a stylistic descriptor rather than a confirmed provincial origin unless supported by documented provenance, workshop marks, or comparative references. Even as style, the effect is unmistakable: theatrical scale executed with restraint.
The bowl’s surface presents in a rust-ground, time-toned register rather than high polish, allowing iron texture to carry the work. Against this sober ground, the gold-painted or gilt crest-device motif on the hachi becomes the focal point—an intentional contrast that mirrors Edo-period display logic, where identity had to be read quickly in crowded formations.
Shikoro lames and side fittings appear present, giving the kabuto a complete visual perimeter. The listing notes age-consistent scuffs and wear, which are expected for an object of this type and scale. The overall condition, from the description, suggests a display-ready helmet whose primary value lies in silhouette, iconography, and impact.
Dimensions confirm the intended drama: approximately 64.0 cm in height with crest, and roughly 33.5 × 33.5 cm in footprint. At a listed weight of 2130 g, the kabuto remains practical for display mounting, while the height makes it an exceptional centerpiece for a collection, interior installation, or curatorial vignette on kawari kabuto typologies.
For collectors, this is the kind of kabuto that anchors a room. It invites comparative study—how different domains and workshops used maedate scale, how iron surface and gold emblem interact, and how the kabuto became as much a sign-system as a defensive object in the late Edo imagination.
Specifications
- Approx. 64.0 cm (H) × 33.5 cm (D) × 33.5 cm (W)
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
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A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
