Original Japanese Edo Period Eboshi Kabuto Samurai Helmet with Maeda & Liner

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. A Kabuto (兜, 冑) is a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors which, in later periods, became an important part of the traditional Japanese armor worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. In the Japanese language, the word kabuto is an appellative, not a type description, and can refer to any combat helmet. The design used for samurai helmets evolved over the centuries, and this example is typical of the design seen during the early-to-mid part of the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo.

This example is in phenomenal condition for its age and has a lovely black lacquered exterior, in a similar style as certain Jingasa helmets. This Kabuto dates to the late Edo period, so the late 19th century. This example appears to be an Eboshi example, notable for the tall slanted crown.

During the Heian Period, being seen without headwear was considered a shameful thing, and so hats or caps known as eboshi were worn at all times during waking hours.  Eboshi, and their derivatives, continued to be worn by the samurai — particularly the elite — until the end of the Edo period. The traditional high standing, swept back and rounded eboshi is particularly noted as being a nobleman’s court cap.

The front of this Eboshi Kabuto retains a well-attached brass Maeda which slides onto the front via two bars. The interior of the Kabuto retains a lovely hand-stitched lining which we believe to be original, and in amazing condition.

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