Original Item: Only One Available. A KASA (笠) is any one of several sorts of traditional Japanese hats. Some types are amigasa, jingasa, sandogasa, sugegasa, and takuhatsugasa. Note that rendaku ("sequential voicing") causes kasa to change to gasa when it is preceded by another word specifying the type of hat: thus, JINGASA ("camp hat"; helmet). These were issued to the lowliest soldiers of the Japanese War Lords (The Samurai). They were used by simple Infantry who acted as Musketeers using the then prevalent Matchlock ignition system.

This example dates from during the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. By the end of the Edo period, known as the Bakumatsu Period of 1853-1868, the use of the Jingasa became more widespread to include being used by clan armies. It was used frequently by the Aizu Rifle corps during the Boshin War of 1868-1869.

Examination of this helmet leads us to believe it was probably made in the early 19th century, towards the end of the Edo Period. In the effort to bring Japan into the modern World of the Victorian age there was dreadful push back from the SAMURAI Class of Feudal system Warriors. There was a great rebellion in 1868-1869 known as the Boshin War (戊辰戦争 Boshin Sensō, "War of the Year of the Yang Earth Dragon") in which the Samurai class was finally eliminated.

This is an original Japanese Foot Soldier's Lacquer based head covering or helmet. These in fact provided exceptional protection from attack with a blade from a horseman. Known as a Jingasa, the styles varied according to family or clan.

These were used with a minimal padded cushion liner, with a squarish pad on the crown, and padded loops to go on either side of the head. These would then be connected by straps or ribbons. This example still has the complete liner, which looks to be filled with pulled plant fiber on both the crown and side straps. It does have a bit of fraying and tearing, showing REAL period wear. This is definitely not a helmet that was restored recently or one of the many modern made helmets flooding the market. There are even Japanese Kanji Markings on the side straps, which could make a great translation project!

The jingasa has black lacquer on the exterior without a Mon on the front, the interior is finished in red lacquer, now faded to more of an orange color in areas. There is some chipping to the exterior and around the edges, and there were some kanji markings on the interior, which were scratched out. It appears to be made of wood or pressed paper layers covered with fabric and lacquer, which can be seen where the finish has chipped away. The helmet measures 13" across side to side, and 14" front to back, with a height of about 4".

A very interesting Original Japanese Foot Soldier's JINGASA Helmet of circa 1820. Ready to display!