Miura Hiromichi (born 1938)A restored kawari kabuto (eccentrically-shaped helmet) with an impressive forecrest
Edo period (1615-1868), 17th century and Heisei era (1989-2019), 2008
The original eboshi kabuto constructed of iron with a period shikoro of solid plates, and fitted with a large hand-made maedate in the form of a praying mantis of wood, fabric, and paper, covered in clear lacquer and gold leaf, the complete restoration of the helmet and the maedate by Miura Hiromichi
With a lacquered wood tomobako storage box
10in (25.4cm) high (helmet bowl)注脚For the maedate upon which the present lot is based, see Morihiro Ogawa, ed., Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2009, no. 39

Miura Hiromichi, among Japan's last and most active traditional armorers, has restored some of the most important Japanese armors in the world, including masterpieces in the collections of the Tower of London, the Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. He is currently the only armorer to have been designated by the Government of Japan as a Juyo Mukei Bunkazai Hojisha (Preserver of an Important Intangible Cultural Property; commonly known as Ningen Kokuho or Living National Treasure). Recently, one of his original armors was enshrined in the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. The present eboshi kabuto has been featured in numerous Japanese television programs, and was exhibited at the Isetan Gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo during a special exhibition of Mr. Miura's work. It is estimated to have taken him three years to carve and decorate the grasshopper forecrest. Mr. Miura is not currently producing any new works.