Original Item: Only One Available. A KASA (笠) is any one of several sorts of traditional Japanese hats. Some types are amigasa, jingasa, sandogasa, sugegasa, and takuhatsugasa. Note that rendaku ("sequential voicing") causes kasa to change to gasa when it is preceded by another word specifying the type of hat: thus, JINGASA (陣笠 - "camp hat"; helmet). These were issued to the lowliest soldiers of the Japanese War Lords (The Samurai). They were used by simple Infantry who acted as Musketeers using the then prevalent Matchlock ignition system.
This example dates from during the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. By the end of the Edo period, known as the Bakumatsu Period of 1853-1868, the use of the Jingasa became more widespread to include being used by clan armies. It was used frequently by the Aizu Rifle corps during the Boshin War of 1868-1869.
In the effort to bring Japan into the modern World of the Victorian age there was dreadful push back from the SAMURAI Class of Feudal system Warriors. There was a great rebellion in 1868-1869 known as the Boshin War (戊辰戦争 Boshin Sensō, "War of the Year of the Yang Earth Dragon") in which the Samurai class was finally eliminated.
This is an original Japanese Lacquered Jingasa head covering or helmet. They were constructed usually from pressed fabric and paper, and in fact provided exceptional protection from attack with a blade from a horseman. This example however was produced using triangular sheet iron plates, each overlapping the next. There are 8 plates in total used to make this helmet, and the bottom of the helmet is covered with lacquered gauze. The top is lacquered as well, showing a lovely dark red-brown color, and it has a family crest / MON painted on the front in gold, which we have unfortunately not been able to identify. There is also a liner on the inside, made from period correct materials using hemp fibers wrapped with cloth. The chinstrap is not present.
The lacquer exterior has degraded, as the iron plates slowly have oxidized due to the cracks that form over time in the lacquer. This has allowed cracks to form, and some chipping to occur, so the helmet should definitely be handled with care. Conservation may be possible but should only be attempted by an expert. There are various websites online concerning the care required for Japanese lacquered items, which definitely applies to the helmets as well.
A scarce bit of original Edo period Japanese military headgear of lightweight construction offered in very nice condition. These handmade items always make lovely display items. Ready to research and display!
