JAPAN, 17th century, Edo period (1603 -1868). Hochi-Kabuto... Lot 50

JAPAN, 17th century, Edo period (1603 -1868). Hochi-Kabuto of combat of a very high rank samurai. Steel bomb structured in sixty-four sections delimited by ridges and each enhanced by thirty-three protruding spikes. The opening at the top is made of chased brass with three degrees. The Shikoro (neck cover) with small ears and four blades in matte lacquered steel with a red patina and laced with light silk braids. The inside of the visor lacquered red. Inside cap in blue textile. Very heavy helmet (about 2.5 kg). In its original condition, never in collection before. (patina of time and small accidents of use, the bomb and the top of the visor re-lacquered in black formerly, rather good state of conservation). Note: During the first half of the Edo period, helmet bombs were usually made of 3, 8, 16, 32, 64, 72 and 120 sections. Helmets with bombs consisting of 64, 72 and 120 sections were extremely rare and expensive, they were used exclusively by Daimyō (such as provincial governors, drawn from members of the Japanese military aristocracy) or very wealthy Samurai. Expert: Jean-Christophe ROZE