Saiga or Saika Kabutos

[historicantiques]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and far from being an expert on Japanese samurai armor.   However, I have a saiga-style kabuto and want to learn more about it. I've been on other forums gathering information and sharing images of what I have, and would like to do the same here.    This is what I have.  There are gourdes embossed around the bowl along with gold leafing in the shape of gourdes to the side.  It has the mei:  Saotome Iyetada.  I've been told by well-known experts on other forums that this mei was a forgery, though a period forgery, and that "Saotome Iyetada" did not make such kabuto, which one expert says dates to 1600-1615.  I respect and at this point trust his and their judgments, and have no intention of offending or insulting them by opening up to this forum of which they may be members.  But I'd like to know if anybody else has any thoughts and opinions about this kabuto.  I'm always searching for more info and "truths" and never stop with myself or anybody else, which I think is intellectually healthy and honest. 

 Have any viewers seen a Saiga kabuto like this one?  Are there any books that may have lots of images of saiga-style kabutos?   Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

historicantiques

[Deleted]

I have nothing to contribute to the discussion of this kabuto, but I think a confirmed period forgery is still very interesting. I would love to know its story. Thank you for sharing.

[historicantiques]

Thanks "Honey Bunny",

I inherited this from my aunt who with my uncle, opened a Japanese restaurant in Chicago in the mid 1950s. They purchased this and other armour and kabutos, to decorate their restaurant. As a kid, I was always afraid of them, standing so straight and life-like, and having to run past to get to the bathroom! I have images of the mei and its sides if you're interested. Thanks for your interest!

Paul