19th C. Japanese Edo Lacquered Samurai Jingasa Hat

East Asia, Japan, Edo to Meiji period, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine black-lacquered wood jingasa or camp hat of a shallow circular form with a gold-hued Maru Ni Katabami crest in the form of a tondo of a trefoil, or a creeping wood sorrel flower, on the brim. The interior presents a lustrous, black surface with gold-hued speckles and a central concave area for the wearer's head, with black, padded cloth straps. Jingasa hats were worn by Japanese samurais during travel or encampment. A red-painted lozenge motif further adorns the interior of the brim. Being lacquered, this jingasa was especially convenient as it was both waterproof and lightweight. Size: 16.3" Diameter x 2.6" H (41.4 cm x 6.6 cm)

Sankin kotai, known as "alternate attendance," was developed during the Warring States period as a system to strengthen the Tokugawa shogunate's control over the feudal lords known as daimyos. The daimyo would alternate between residing in the shogun's castle in Edo and his own fief, usually on a yearly basis. However, while the daimyo may return to his home fief, his family was required to remain in Edo with the Shogun, essentially as hostages to ensure loyalty while the daimyo was away. When traveling to Edo the daimyo was accompanied by samurai and jingasa hats were worn during travel or encampment as a protective helmet. Being lacquered, this jingasa was especially convenient as it was both waterproof and lightweight. During the Edo period, jingasa became more decorative for these sankin kotai processions.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired 1960 to 2000

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#168417
Condition Report: Some surface wear with losses and chipping to lacquer, with loss at the periphery of rim. Some stains to padded fabric. Otherwise, intact and excellent.