Unkai Kabuto Kaga

This is an excellent example of a kabuto made by the Unkai kaga smith Mitsuharu (光治)
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This six-plate helmet bowl is crafted from russet iron, showcasing both functionality and artistic design. Its mabezashi visor is long and gracefully curved, preventing the upper lame of the shikoro from accommodating traditional fukigaeshi turnbacks. To address this limitation, the helmet has been thoughtfully customised: the wakidate tsunomoto (side mounts) are positioned closer to the front of the hachi (bowl) rather than their usual placement further back. This adjustment allows for the attachment of wakidate as tatemono (decorative elements) when required.

The kabuto includes two distinct sets of tatemono. The first set features Kaga-style russet iron fukigaeshi, while the second set comprises lacquered wooden ornaments designed to resemble Buddhist flames, adding a symbolic and aesthetic dimension to the helmet. The shikoro (neck guard) is adorned with a fine sabi urushi-nuri finish, which creates a striking contrast between a raised glossy texture and a matte base, enhancing its visual appeal.

This helmet seamlessly blends practicality, customisation, and artistry, making it a remarkable piece of craftsmanship.

Tetsu Sabiji ju-ni ken tate nari / Tetsu kon urushi nuri kiritsuke kozane shikoro / go dan kebiki odoshi
This is a russet iron helmet bowl made from twelve sections. The shikoro is also of iron and lacquered in black urushi and made to look like honkozane scales. It is laced in silk odoshi in the kebiki style.

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