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A zunari kabuto [head-shaped helmet] — Signed Neo Masanobu | Edo period, 18th century

A zunari kabuto [head-shaped helmet]

Signed Neo Masanobu | Edo period, 18th century

This zunari kabuto (head-shaped helmet) from the 18th century Edo period exemplifies the refined metalworking traditions of Japanese armor craftsmanship, combining practical protection with exceptional decorative artistry. The russet iron bowl features elaborate inlay work in gilt and silver depicting dragonflies, while the peak displays cloud motifs, and the turnbacks are embellished with ume mon (plum blossom crests) in copper gilt and patinated iron. The multi-tiered neckguard demonstrates the maker's mastery of both lacquer work and textile techniques, with layered leather and blue braid lacing that would have provided flexible protection for the wearer's neck and shoulders.

Medium
the five plate russet iron bowl of zunari [head-shaped] form, the helmet bowl carved, chased and inlaid in gilt and silver with dragonflies, the russet iron peak with clouds to the peak, copper-gilt fukurin [ornamental border], red lacquer underside, the turnbacks applied with copper-gilt and patinated iron ume mon [plum blossom crests] with copper-gilt fukurin, the four-tiered neckguard decorated in black lacquer and applied with bands of leather, with alternating spaced and close-spaced lacing in dark blue braid
Spotted At
Auction House · Sotheby's

🔨 Auction Lot

Art of Japan

October 29, 2024

Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000

Lot 39

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About this work

A zunari kabuto [head-shaped helmet], Signed Neo Masanobu | Edo period, 18th century

This zunari kabuto (head-shaped helmet) from the 18th century Edo period exemplifies the refined metalworking traditions of Japanese armor craftsmanship, combining practical protection with exceptional decorative artistry. The russet iron bowl features elaborate inlay work in gilt and silver depicting dragonflies, while the peak displays cloud motifs, and the turnbacks are embellished with ume mon (plum blossom crests) in copper gilt and patinated iron. The multi-tiered neckguard demonstrates the maker's mastery of both lacquer work and textile techniques, with layered leather and blue braid lacing that would have provided flexible protection for the wearer's neck and shoulders.

Medium
the five plate russet iron bowl of zunari [head-shaped] form, the helmet bowl carved, chased and inlaid in gilt and silver with dragonflies, the russet iron peak with clouds to the peak, copper-gilt fukurin [ornamental border], red lacquer underside, the turnbacks applied with copper-gilt and patinated iron ume mon [plum blossom crests] with copper-gilt fukurin, the four-tiered neckguard decorated in black lacquer and applied with bands of leather, with alternating spaced and close-spaced lacing in dark blue braid
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Traditional Japanese, Iron and lacquer, Functional Sculpture, Japanese, Decorative helmet, Edo period 18th century, Samurai armor, Japanese metalwork, Edo aristocratic aesthetic, Martial craftsmanship