Kawaranari kabuto

Samurai helmet with the design of a roof tile

Iron and harikake

Momoyama period (1575-1615)

 

The Japanese word "kawari" can be translated in many ways: unusual, extraordinary, eccentric, strange. When we associate it with the word "kabuto" - helmet - all of these are true. These helmets were developed during the 16th centuries, when Japan was suffering a state of near-constant civil war, as a sign of recognition that could send a strong  message to the enemy as well as to the troops. 

The most spectacular helmets are generally those with a superstructure made of harikake, a mix of papier-mâché, lacquer, wood or leather which completely covers the iron bowl. The use of this light material made it possible to create different and fanciful figures, usually inspired by sacred objects or elements of nature, and each helmet is virtually unique. The daimyō who wore kawari kabuto were often choosing shapes that symbolised fortunate ideas such as immortality, courage or power.

The design of this kabuto is a kawara, the typical Japnese roof tile. Kawara are not only to protect houses from damage, but also function to mystically protect a building and is hence here intended as a protection amulet. The origin of Japanese kawara dates back to the late 6th century with arrival of Buddhism, when they were brought to Japan from China via Korea. Among the many symbols used to decorate Japanese roof tiles we find the mitsutomoe, an arrangement of three swirling commas symbolising water, here decorating the present kabuto.

 

Price: 24,000 €

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