Saotome Iesada. “Suji-bachi kabuto” samurai helmet, 17th century. Edo

SAOTOME IESADA (Hitachi Province, Japan; active in the early 17th century).
“Suji-bachi kabuto” samurai helmet, early 17th century. Edo period.
Iron, gilded bronze, copper, shakudō, lacquer, and textile cordwork.
Helmet shell composed of 62 iron plates.
Heraldic emblem (kamon): ken-hanabishi.
Accompanied by a ressei menpō-style face mask.
In good condition, with a patina consistent with its age.
Measurements: 43 x 37 x 38 cm.

This samurai helmet is an outstanding example of the work of the Saotome school, one of Japan’s most prestigious armory traditions during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly renowned for its multi-plated helmets with raised ribs. The piece, attributed to Saotome Iesada, features a helmet shell composed of 62 carefully assembled iron plates, topped by a five-tiered upper element (hachimanza) made of copper and shakudō.

Of particular note is the large frontal ornament (kuwagata), consisting of two stylized golden horns that evoke the antlers of a deer—an animal traditionally associated with the messengers of the deities in Japanese culture. Its base features an ornamental zoomorphic relief. The neck guard (shikoro), of the manjū type, is composed of black-lacquered iron plates, featuring kiritsuke-zane decoration and dark blue cordwork (kebiki odoshi). The side flaps (fukigaeshi) feature the ken-hanabishi heraldic emblem. The ensemble is completed by a lacquered iron face mask (ressei menpō) with an intimidating expression, a mustache, and a throat guard.

Saotome Iesada was a prominent Japanese armorer active in Hitachi Province—now Ibaraki Prefecture—during the early Edo period. The son of Saotome Ienari, he was the fourth master of the prestigious Saotome school, which specialized in the manufacture of technically complex helmets, particularly the 62-plate suji-bachi. His work represents the continuation of an armorer’s tradition in which defensive strength was combined with meticulous formal and ornamental craftsmanship. Examples of his work have been featured in exhibitions dedicated to samurai armor, such as the one held at the Fortuny Museum in Venice.