Unusual circular russet iron jingasa, with 16 triangular riveted plates. The iron is flattened to a thin gauge for lightweight comfort. It sports a finial top and a hand mount ring to a silk cord decoration.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather.Kasa shares its etymology with the Japanese word for "umbrella" (which is also pronounced "kasa", but... Click for details

Japanese russet lacquered leather zunari jingasa with riveted plating. Finely disguised as metal which is completely constructed of lightweight materials strengthened by lacquer. The interior helmet is lacquered in red. The front features a large gilt mon of the Ashikaga crest. The finial form takes shape of a chrysanthemum flower. Mounted on custom display stand.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 13: x 12" x 6" H

The tatami armor was used by foot soldiers, archers, and spearmen. Its a lightweight armor which allowed the warriors to be more swift and fluid with their movements. It is also an economical munition armor as a alternative to the traditional lace scale construction. Going to battle was costly and this gave the clan army full protection from all levels of warfare.
The armors head gear covering has two flaps with a back slit. The head gear is completely made of russet iron plates... Click for details

A dark blue hemp fabric forms the base of these kote sleeve guards. The upper area is covered in iron chain mail with pair of double gourd plates, crest mon, gilt iron plates, throughout the kote. The shoulder edge has three hinge plates to fashion to the Do armor. Unusually mounted on a custom black iron stand.

Edo Period 18th Century

Size: 27.25" L x 12.5" H (17.5" H on stand)

This superb helmet bowl is comprised of 64 iron plates that are slightly embossed between the suji, double front plates, and a washer underneath the top front riveted inside. The bowl has been given a very dark russet finish and fitted with a simple iron visor. The meadate is a forged iron hornet with gilt brass wings. The shikkoro of five - lames of false scale laced in blue silk and brown russet lacquer. Unsigned

Size: 14" L x 14" W x 13"... Click for details

Antique bronze Moroccan black powder container. Appliqué copper with fine chasing. Original patina matching that of its age and use. Copper rings used for mounting piece for ease of use while traveling.

18th Century With brass display stand.

Size: 5" W x 8" H

Antique Indian gold damascene iron shield. Original remnants of the hand grip materials, which consist of leather and cushion cut velvet remaining on the inside of the shield. Four protruded mounts are gold damascened with fine floral detailing.

Mogul 18th Century, India

Size: 13" Diameter x 2" H

Antique Japanese Yumi set of six Hawk feather and arrow reed. These were used to shoot long distances before and after the introduction of firearms. Mounted on a custom stand for a stunning presentation.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 36.5" L each (on display 16.5" W x 4" D x 37.75" H)

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of... Click for details

Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth. This example has a bronze barrel of circular... Click for details