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This rare Edo period kabuto takes the form of a monkey, a highly unusual and striking design, crafted in lacquer over iron with real monkey fur applied to the head and ears for lifelike realism. Armorers of the time built the base of the helmet from expertly hammered iron plates, shaped to create a rounded, protective bowl. Multiple coats of urushi lacquer were then applied, both to strengthen the iron and to resist weathering in battle. The monkey form required additional sculpting and modeling, giving the face its distinctive contours and the high-domed brow, with carefully inset apertures for the eyes. The addition of genuine fur was not only decorative but also symbolic, enhancing the personality and presence of the piece.
The kabuto is paired with an Edo period iron hanpō (lower face guard) featuring pronounced “monkey cheeks,” a style that echoes the helmet’s theme. The hanpō was similarly lacquered to protect the metal, with indigo-laced silk cords for securing it in place. Together, the kabuto and hanpō create a unified warrior’s visage, both functional in protection and visually commanding. This set is custom mounted for display, preserving its historical context while showcasing the exceptional artistry of Edo period armor-making.
Attributed to the Ii clan, a prominent samurai family from Tōtōmi Province, this armor reflects the power and prestige of its owners. The Ii clan rose to prominence in the late Sengoku period, serving Tokugawa Ieyasu with unwavering loyalty. Their leader, Ii Naomasa, became famed as one of the Tokugawa’s “Four Guardian Kings” and was known for leading his troops into battle wearing bright red armor, earning them the name “The Red Devils of Ii.” Under the Tokugawa shogunate, the clan remained influential, governing domains and participating in major military and political affairs throughout the Edo period.
Armor such as this would have been commissioned by a high-ranking member or retainer of the clan, not only for battlefield use but also as an expression of identity and status. The monkey motif—representing cleverness, adaptability, and an element of unpredictability—would have served to set its wearer apart among elite samurai. Today, this kabuto and hanpō stand as rare surviving examples of anthropomorphic armor, embodying both the technical mastery of early Edo armorers and the storied legacy of one of Japan’s most celebrated warrior families.
Both Kabuto and Hanpo are mounted on their own individual stand.
Age: Edo period Circa 1700's
Dimensions: 18" high x 12" wide x 14" deep
The kabuto is paired with an Edo period iron hanpō (lower face guard) featuring pronounced “monkey cheeks,” a style that echoes the helmet’s theme. The hanpō was similarly lacquered to protect the metal, with indigo-laced silk cords for securing it in place. Together, the kabuto and hanpō create a unified warrior’s visage, both functional in protection and visually commanding. This set is custom mounted for display, preserving its historical context while showcasing the exceptional artistry of Edo period armor-making.
Attributed to the Ii clan, a prominent samurai family from Tōtōmi Province, this armor reflects the power and prestige of its owners. The Ii clan rose to prominence in the late Sengoku period, serving Tokugawa Ieyasu with unwavering loyalty. Their leader, Ii Naomasa, became famed as one of the Tokugawa’s “Four Guardian Kings” and was known for leading his troops into battle wearing bright red armor, earning them the name “The Red Devils of Ii.” Under the Tokugawa shogunate, the clan remained influential, governing domains and participating in major military and political affairs throughout the Edo period.
Armor such as this would have been commissioned by a high-ranking member or retainer of the clan, not only for battlefield use but also as an expression of identity and status. The monkey motif—representing cleverness, adaptability, and an element of unpredictability—would have served to set its wearer apart among elite samurai. Today, this kabuto and hanpō stand as rare surviving examples of anthropomorphic armor, embodying both the technical mastery of early Edo armorers and the storied legacy of one of Japan’s most celebrated warrior families.
Both Kabuto and Hanpo are mounted on their own individual stand.
Age: Edo period Circa 1700's
Dimensions: 18" high x 12" wide x 14" deep
Price on Request
item #1507481
