samurai tsuba

Russet iron ressei tengu menSamurai mask shaped as a TenguMid Edo period (1615-1867)This menpō presents some features, such as the nose shaped like a beak, which suggests that represents the face of a Tengu. The Tengu are mythological creatures of ancient Japanese tradition identify both as kami (gods) and as yokai (demons). They are usually represented as birdman with a long prominent nose or, as in this case, a beak. The mask interior is lacquered and the iron yodarekake is made in four kiritsukezane plates. INVENTORY NR: men-...

Tessen

TessenFighting fanMid Edo Period (1615 - 1867), Iron, paper with pigments and bamboo.Menhari-gata (opening fan), sensu-gata (enlongated shape)Lenght: 35.5 Iron fan with an elegant shape, with nine bamboo ribs.Customarily carried in the hands or tucked in the obi (belt), the folding fan played a significant role in Japanese etiquette, especially on formal occasions, and was rarely ever out of a samurai's possession. Perhaps because it was considered such an ordinary item, it was easily employed as a suitable side arm with only minor modifications. These weapons, called...

Za-boshi Kabuto

Kabuto Za-boshi16 plates samurai helmet DATEMid Edo period (1615-1867), 18th centuryMEDIUMiron This heavy helmet is typical of the work of the armor makers in the province of Kaga. Each plate is fitted with a row of nine rivets of diminishing size toward the top, with the exception of the front and rear plates, the former with three rows of za-boshi and the latter left empty. The rivet heads bear a chrysantemoid shaped washer at the base (za-boshi).The mabizashi (visor) and the fukigaeshi are decorated with applied printed Dutch leather tooled...