Hirata Hikozo (1590? - 1635) is one of the most famous Higo craftsmen, also a master of the first generations of Jingo and Kanshiro. He worked under the patronage of Hosokawa Sansai, an important samurai and tea ceremony master, who was a disciple of Sen...
Private collectionMyōchin Muneakira is considered the best skilled armor maker of Japan during the Edo period. At the age of 12, he began his apprenticeship with Munesuke, his uncle, focusing on the complex skill of iron embossing (uchidashi), where Munesuke himself had achieved an exceptional...
Before entering the fascinating world of menpō, the masks of samurai armor, it is essential to understand their importance and function within the armor of Japanese warriors. The term "menpō" refers to the face protection used in samurai armor, made primarily of iron but occasionally...
Samurai armor, not only a testament to craftsmanship but also to unparalleled functionality, has distinctly marked the eras of Japanese wars. In this insight, we explore how the effectiveness of armor has evolved through time, focusing on the distinction between medieval armor and that of...
The great generals who led the battles of the great samurai armies in Japan's Sengoku Jidai, the period of civil wars that inflamed the empire between 1467 and 1603, are often remembered wearing their armor. Such armor is almost always characterized by unique specifications, such...
The Deep Meaning of Samurai Armor Collecting: Beyond the Object, HistoryCollecting goes far beyond the mere collection of objects; it is an immersion in the stories steeped in history that such objects carry. In the case of samurai armor, this connection to the past becomes...
Japanese samurai swords, known as "katana" or “nihonto”, are renowned for their craftsmanship, sharpness, and historical significance. An authentic katana possesses distinctive features that have remained consistent throughout Japan's rich history. Here are five essential elements of Japanese samurai swords that enthusiasts and collectors should...
Japanese samurai armor has been an object of admiration and fascination for centuries. Among the many features that make them unique is one element that combines aesthetics and functionality in an extraordinary way.The Magic of Urushi LacquerUrushi lacquer is a natural resin extracted from the...
One of the most widespread myths about Japanese history is that Zen Buddhism was practiced by all samurai. While it is true that Zen had a big impact on samurai culture, the connection between the two was more nuanced than is typically depicted. When Zen Buddhism...
From the Nara period (710-784) to the Genpei War (1180-1185) there were some major innovations in Japanese military organization, one above all the massive introduction of cavalry. This renewal entailed several changes in the structure of armor, which until the 12th century had a plate...
COPYRIGHT © 2025
GIUSEPPE PIVA – P.IVA: 05104180962 – C.F. PVIGPP70P15F205U – Nr. REA: MI – 1796841
Cookies Policy | Privacy Policy