The jingasa, a distinctive form of helmet worn by samurai in feudal Japan, is characterized by its rounded shape and often features a visor. This type of helmet was popular among both samurai and ashigaru, the foot soldiers who formed the bulk of the feudal Japanese military.
The jingasa presented here is a particularly noteworthy example. Its upturned visor, a feature typically associated with gun troop leaders, suggests that it belonged to a commander or officer within a specialized unit. The presence of a Daki Myoga mon, a heraldic emblem associated with resilience and perseverance, further enhances its significance.
The bronze hachimanza atop the helmet is another notable feature. Hachiman, a Shinto deity often invoked by warriors, was associated with archery, warfare, and horse riding. The inclusion of this religious iconography underscores the spiritual and cultural context within which samurai armor was produced.
Private collection, Japan
Private collection, Zürich, Switzerland
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