62 Ken Hoshi Kabuto. Signed Saotome Ienari

"SOLD"

Age:Early Edo period.

Remarks: This is an excellent example of the work of the Saotome School Master Armorer Ienari. The hachi has a clean precise appearance with finely finished ridges. There is a wonderful exactness in the almost perfect placement of the rounded rivets as they gradually decrease in size up to the apex. The beautiful lacquered fukigaeshi turn back to feature a Tsuru crest in gilt brass. The shikoro is in very nice condition and is laced in close fitting faded purple colored lace. The shikoro is lacquered in black. The shikoro also features an unusual technique used to fasten the bear fur trim along the lower lame edge. It is absolutely unbelievable to note that this is the original bear fur used when this kabuto was made over 350 years ago. This is the only example I have seen with nearly 100% of the bear fur still intact. The ukebari is intact and original to the Edo period. This Kabuto is original and reflects it's appropriate age.

The inscription inside the Hachi reads "Jou-shuu sumu Saotome Ienari Suhou tsuru no maru". "Joushuu" is an alternate name for Hitachi, an ancient kuni or little country. These were feudal domains preceding the modern prefectures. "Sumu" the verb to reside, indicates the smith lived and worked in Joushuu. "Suhou" was the name of the clan from the area around present day Nagano prefecture. "Tsuru" means crane and refers to the family crest. This specific variation is not listed in the Daimyo registry but because it is expensively made it most likely belonged to a high ranking Samurai known as a "Karo" or vice Daimyo. When compared to the legions of Myochin smiths, the Saotome were a very small family with only 16 smiths bearing the name. What the family lack in numbers it made up for in the quality of workmanship.

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