Antique Japanese Samurai 60 Plate Kabuto Helmet Muromachi Period Oda Clan

Description

This was purchased in Japan years ago. A late Muromachi Period 60 plate Kabuto in unaltered condition. The original liner is intact with a small tear (I would bet a Samurai's DNA can be found in that liner). The original chin cord is still attached though it is fraying from age. Each of the 60 plates is mounted with spiked rivets that start larger at the base near the shikoro and get smaller as they move up to the tehen opening. There are hundreds of rivets. The original shikoro plates are intact with the original silk ito flat lace. The mon badges attached to the top shikoro "fukigaeshi" are from the Oda clan. The Oda clan is as famous as Samurai clans can get. They were one of the 3 major clans that vied for the position of Shogun in the most violent part of the 147 year Japanese civil war, the Sengoku Period. Those major clans being the Takeda, the Oda and the Tokugawa. This kabuto was most certainly worn during that period. The mabizashi (visor) and the fukigaeshi "ears" on the front of the top shikoro plate are covered in original "moleskin" fabric, which was imported from the Portuguese Mission traders that were particularly involved with the Oda. Their Roman Catholic priests were permitted to function on the Oda clan's territory and they advised Oda Nobunaga himself. The Oda's obtained the first matchlock rifles that were imported from Portugal and were the primary recipients of early European technology. While most Samurai clans initially refused firearms, the Odas embraced them. The Odas were also the front ranks in the disastrous invasion of Korea and this kabuto very possibly could have been used in that expeditionary force also. I have owned a lot of Samurai armor and this is one of the best pieces I have been able to obtain.