25gou Premium "National Treasure - Bamboo Sparrow Metal Fittings Helmet" by Kiyonoobu Awataguchi, Red Silk Lacing, Custom-Made Genuine Lacquer Black Small Plates, with Flared Ear Guards, Polished Top-Grade Karitsu, Screen with Genuine Foil Press, Bow and Arrow with Genuine Hawk Feathers
Armor production requires indispensable manual skills and materials passed down through generations. If we were to seek these from overseas, the price might be lowered. However, would the finished product not lose more value than the price reduction?
Since the time of the previous generation, we have built trusting relationships with skilled artisans. However, in recent years, many have retired, and we feel anxious about the loss of traditional techniques. Handmade production naturally leads to small production quantities, inevitably increasing the price. It is the support of those who still purchase and cherish our creations that encourages us daily. We are truly happy to have such relationships with our customers.
《 Kiyonoobu Awataguchi 》Descended from the lineage of the sword smiths of Awataguchi, Kyoto, and Munetsuna Sanjo. The master craftsman Munetsuna Sanjo, who created the National Treasure "Mikazuki Munetsuna," is enshrined at "Kaji Shrine," a sub-shrine of Awata Shrine, located in the Awataguchi area. Following the abolition of swords, the family transitioned to armor production, utilizing their accumulated metalworking skills. The armor of Kiyonoobu Awataguchi is characterized by its craftsmanship, honed through consistent handmade techniques down to the finest details. Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1989. Awarded the "Kyoto Craftsman" Kyoto Prefecture Traditional Industry Excellent Technician Award in 2001. A master craftsman representing the Kyoto armor world, with a distinguished record in numerous competitions.Kamakura Period (13th-14th Century) in the collection of Kasuga Taisha Shrine《 National Treasure Red Silk Lacing Oyoroi (Bamboo and Sparrow Metal Fittings Oyoroi, Bamboo Tiger Armor) 》This is arguably the most famous of the armors designated as National Treasures, housed at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Prefecture. Intricate decorative metal fittings, based on bamboo, tigers, and sparrows, with added elements like wisteria, paulownia, chrysanthemums, and butterflies, are placed throughout. The large kuwagata helmet crest spreading widely overhead is breathtaking. The madder red silk lacing retains its vibrant, fiery red color even today, and its splendor is known as one of Japan's foremost examples. The large metal fittings on the shoulder guards, featuring the "bamboo and tiger" motif that gives the armor its name, are particularly striking. The humorous expression of the tiger, in contrast to the sharp eyes of the many sparrows, is also interesting. Numerous armor makers have used this National Treasure as a model, studying it extensively and producing replicas.＜ Genuine Hawk Feather Bow and Arrow ＞For the bow and arrow, feathers from birds with beautiful patterns are primarily chosen. Sometimes, feathers from waterfowl (ducks) with plain white surfaces are used with beautiful patterns printed on them, but the types vary, including owls, golden pheasants, and pheasants. Among these, "hawk" is considered the rarest and most beautiful. Hawks are also thought to symbolize the soul of the samurai, and their strong, elegant appearance, power, and bravery were highly favored. Hawk (bird of prey) feathers were also considered a samurai's refinement for arrow fletching, signifying the owner's dignity and symbolizing martial prowess, and were only permitted for high-ranking samurai. Ordinary soldiers used common bird feathers. Furthermore, hawk feathers were considered so noble that soldiers who were shot with arrows made from them felt honored by the type of feather used by their opponent.＜ Kataoka Byobu Shop ＞ Tokyo's Only Specialty Screen ShopSince its establishment in Sumida, Tokyo, in 1946, the company has specialized in manufacturing folding screens for seasonal festivals, hotels, banquet halls, and decorative purposes. They are also dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of folding screens through the operation of a folding screen museum and offering folding screen making experiences. A screen manufacturing company that conveys Japanese traditional beauty to the present day.
―Notice Regarding Size and Weight―・Shipping Estimate: Ships approximately 10 to 20 days after order confirmation.・Please note that delivery may not be possible on the scheduled delivery date for backordered items, made-to-order items, or orders placed during shipping company or store holidays.・Delivery may also be delayed due to weather conditions or land, air, and sea transportation circumstances.・Box measurements and weights vary depending on the product.For small items on our website, the approximate shipping weight is around 1,000g, and for large helmets and armor, it is around 20,000g.・The dimensions listed on the website refer to the product size.