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The shii-nari kabuto is characterized by its acorn or slightly rounded cone shape (*shii* meaning acorn, *nari* meaning shape) and is composed of six lacquered iron plates.
The iron neck guard is a hineno-shikoro.
The *fukigaeshi* are small and ear-shaped, decorated with the Hotta-Mokkô clan crest.
The maedate of Kuginuki-form, represents the idea of "pulling out nails" (kugi-wo nuku), which was poetically associated with "passing nine castles" (kuki-wo nuku). This symbolized the conquering of enemy castles and was worn to demonstrate bravery and luck in battle.
The red-lacquered menpo : the expression of this mask is noble and serene, lacking teeth, wrinkles, or a mustache.
The nose piece is detachable, and two yadome run along the cheeks to reinforce the mask and hold the kabuto cord in place.
Red-lacquered iron menpo are rare ; this color signifies rising anger and flowing blood, expressing just how formidable the warrior is.
This armour also features numerous details showing European influence, notably the silver ridges with finely chased edges on the main plates.
Edo period (early XVIII siècle)
Provenance :
Okayama collection, ex Toraba collection (Trevor Absolon)
Exposed in Victoria (Canada) in the Greater Victoria art gallery, from 6 august till 14 november 2010 during the "Return of the samuraï” exhibition.
Exposed at Chopard (Paris) (11 décembre 2015 - 15 janvier 2016) for the exposition "Quintessence de l'art japonais ancestral alliée au plus haut degré de raffinement de l'horlogerie helvétique"
