What is this mystery item from postwar Japan?

July 18, 2011 9:53 AM

This is an item from my Grandparent's house that has been stored since the 1940s. All I know about it is that it was with other items which my Grandfather brought back with him from postwar Japan. An aunt of mine claims it's something that goes on your head, but I can't tell if it's even possible to take off the wooden stand. It is intricately detailed. It also has a small wooden case with a clear front, but the case is not especially detailed. What is this item? Does it have value? (view larger, largest)
posted by artlung to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

It looks like it may be a maedate, the crest from a samurai helmet. Since it looks quite large, my guess would be that it was a purely decorative example rather than a real combat model, but you should talk to an expert to be sure.
posted by tau_ceti at 10:11 AM on July 18, 2011

Response by poster: tau_ceti, thanks!

I don't have it right in front of me to measure, but I believe it's about 10 inches (~25cm) tall. Does knowing that alter your guess?

What kind of expert am I looking for?
posted by artlung at 10:18 AM on July 18, 2011

The metal horns at the bottom are small versions of kuwagata, or horns displayed on a samurai helmet (larger example of kuwagata seen here).

The height of it makes me think it's an ushirodate (back crest) of a samurai helmet, rather than a maedate (front crest).
posted by illenion at 10:20 AM on July 18, 2011

One of our local auction houses will often offer a complimenatary verbal appraisal, if you send a picture, with no obligation on your part to then sell. Here is their information for the Asian Art Department.
posted by peagood at 10:26 AM on July 18, 2011

I could be wrong, though - here's a diagram of different helmet parts, showing a tall maedate.

Also, I think the blue piece depicts a stylized kuromatsu, or black pine tree, which is a masculine symbol.
posted by illenion at 10:27 AM on July 18, 2011

If it's 25cm tall I think it's an ornamental version of an arrow-stand (see here for an example), with two bows and a quiver for the arrows. According to this ebay listing of something that looks similar it's a decoration for Kodomo no hi, a celebration day for children, especially boys. It would be displayed like this along with a helmet and a sword.
posted by A Thousand Baited Hooks at 10:42 AM on July 18, 2011

Response by poster: Baited Hooks, that looks very promising. The two main stalks with the criss-cross binding definitely now look like bows to me now. The 5 blue vertical things, now that bows and arrows have been mentioned, I now notice that they are pointed with the tips pointed a silvery color.

And the fact that it can't be removed from the stand to be /used/ is inline with the thought that it's meant to be decorative rather than functional.

Looking at google searches for maedate, the bottom element looks like one of those, upside-down.

Another piece of context is that at the time my Grandfather would have had 2, about to be 3 sons, and given that I can see how he could be sold items meant for sons.

peagood, thank you, I will try to contact them and get their opinion, though I think I will also seek more local Asian auction houses / collectibles experts.
posted by artlung at 10:59 AM on July 18, 2011

When I saw the picture of the bow and quiver and read that it had "a small wooden case with a clear front" it became nearly irrefutable that this is part of a larger display for the Boys' Day (now Children's Day) holiday on May 5. The comments about the Kuwagata and pine are also correct. The main item (helmet) seems to be missing, although the Kuwagata horns that adorn the helmet are there. Nothing new to add, just confirming those above.
posted by planetkyoto at 8:26 AM on July 21, 2011