Visor of Helmet in the form of a Sea Conch Shell

Artist Nagasone Tojiro Mitsumasa (Japanese, 17th century)

Date1618

Mediumiron

DimensionsMeasurements for helmet: 22.9 × 30.5 × 26.7 cm (9 × 12 × 10 1/2 in.), 3 lb,13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsSigned or marked with inscriptions in 3 places. "Enchizen(no)Kuni Jo Mitsumasa (province/maker) Nagasone Tojir Saku (name/made this); Genna Yonen Kichijitsu (1618)." Ogawa states probably Nagasone and Nagasone Tojiro make piece together.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.89.2

DescriptionNagasone school lived (worked in Enchizen.) Tojiro is like middle or given name. Mitsumasa is the name of armorsmith. Probably made by Nagasone Tojiro Mitsumasa. School was a very important armor school. The most famous sword smiths during Shinto period came from this school about middle 17th c. The name of most famous swordsmith of this school is Nagasone Kotetsu. Date, last name & given name are on piece. Date is mark on proper left inside. Patina gone. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PIECE.
ProvenancePurchased at Parke-Bernet Galleries, sale no. 1293, 980 Madison Ave, NYC, Dec. 6 1951. From the Edward Hubbard Litchfield Collection. Collection of Bunkio Matsuki, NYC, 1906. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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