Original Japanese Edo Period 18th Century Lacquered Iron Samurai Jingasa Helmet with Liner

Original Item: Only One Available. A KASA (笠) is any one of several sorts of traditional Japanese hats. Some types are amigasa, jingasa, sandogasa, sugegasa, and takuhatsugasa. Note that rendaku ("sequential voicing") causes kasa to change to gasa when it is preceded by another word specifying the type of hat: thus, JINGASA ("camp hat"; helmet). These were issued to the lowliest soldiers of the Japanese War Lords (The Samurai). They were used by simple Infantry who acted as Musketeers using the then prevalent Matchlock ignition system.

Of cloth-covered iron construction worn over a fabric, perhaps wool cap, these were nothing more than a thin covering of iron to hopefully deflect arrows and sword cuts.

Our example, constructed of eight iron triangular plates riveted together and crudely lacquered, looks much like a Circus tent. The covering is heavily cracking revealing the oxidized iron underneath. The helmet retains its stuffed liner system with both straps intact. They are all clothed in black with one having a small hole showing the stuffing material, a wool. It is a very elegant example but one that is very fragile due to its oxidation, and the edges are sharp.

One of the most lovely examples of an iron jingasa we’ve seen. Comes ready for further research and display.