83 - AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE RUSSET-IRON OKITENUGUI-NARI SAIGA KABUTO

AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE RUSSET-IRON OKITENUGUI-NARI SAIGA KABUTO Japan, 17 th-18 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The substantial russet-iron hachi constructed from heavy riveted plates in the distinctive okitenugui-nari form associated with the Saiga armorers of Kii Province, the broad, strongly curved crown plate sweeping forward above the brow and secured by prominent rivets. The frontal plate finely worked in uchidashi with a pair of boldly raised eyebrows, each carefully incised to suggest individual hairs, flanking the central maedate-dai. A further crest fitting is positioned at the crown. The sides and rear are applied with pierced and shaped iron ornaments and further fitted with small attachment posts, all above the lacquered four-lame itazane shikoro laced in dark blue sugake odoshi. HEIGHT 31 cm, WIDTH 34 cm WEIGHT 2.7 kg (excl. stand), 3.2 kg (incl. stand) Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. Tiny nicks, few dents, minute losses and small age cracks to the lacquer of the shikoro. With a wood stand. The okitenugui-nari is one of the most distinctive helmet forms associated with the Saiga armorers of Kii Province. Rather than employing numerous narrow plates, these helmets were constructed from relatively few, heavy sheets of iron, creating an exceptionally robust bowl. The name refers to its resemblance to a tenugui, or cloth, tied over the head. Saiga helmets are further distinguished by their bold russet surfaces, exposed riveted construction, applied iron ornaments, and expressive uchidashi eyebrows. The present example is particularly imposing, the massive forward-sweeping crown emphasizing the strength and sculptural character of the construction. The boldly modeled eyebrows lend the helmet an almost anthropomorphic appearance, while crest fittings at both the brow and crown allowed for removable and interchangeable ornaments, enabling the appearance of the helmet to be transformed according to occasion or preference. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related russet-iron Saiga-bachi kabuto, similarly worked with boldly hammered eyebrows and applied iron decoration, 17th century, at Sotheby's, Asian Art: 5000 Years, 5-12 December 2025, Paris, lot 220 (sold for EUR 15,240). Compare a related later saiga bachi kabuto, signed Geishu Shin Muneharu saku, dated 19 th century, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 April 2018, New York, lot 113 (sold for USD 18,750 or approx. EUR 22,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).