Need some help about a Kaji KAbuto

[madweirddog]

Hi Guys,

 

I know this isn't really an armor, and I'm not sure this topic is in the right category. But I struggle finding precise information about this object I received many years ago from an ex-GF (she bought it on ebay). As far as I can tell it's a Kaji Kabuto from Edo period. I was wondering if someone had any idea of the precise period since Edo started around 1600 till late 1800's.

Also, it has some ornaments like a mon (myôga) and I was wondering if someone knew if it was related to a specific clan/family/geographical place or anything. Also shall I consider this mon is surrounded by one or two circles ?
My last question is about the silk part (with the knot) which is simply disintegrating, any idea to prevent this ?

 

Thank you all for your help.

[raaay]

Not 100% sure but does come under the heading of a fireman's helmet ?? 

[Bugyotsuji]

Rather better example from a set of 火事装束 Kaji Shōzoku, fire wear.

 

The fusa tassel will disintegrate as organic silk only lasts about 200 years before gradually self-destructing. 

[uwe]

Welcome “MWD”?

 

The mon on the fukigaeshi seems to be “Maru ni myōga” (ginger in a ring). It was used by several families/clans over time (for example 中根-Nakane or 稲垣-Inagaki). So impossible to pin down the right without more info….

[Bugyotsuji]

‘Daki’ of Daki-myōga’ 抱き茗荷 translates to ‘embracing’ when there are two opposed or intertwined motifs.
Sometimes you’ll also see ‘Mukai’ as in ‘opposed’ when two butterflies hover head-on for example. Mukai-chō 向かい蝶　

 

Actually there seems to be a lot of variation in Mon descriptions, almost as if the names are not ‘fixed’.

[uwe]

Indeed Piers!

I had decided to omit the “daki” cos, as you mentioned, different descriptions of the very same mon are possible. And I found the same mon with and without the “daki-term”. So for simplicity…