*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a small Arita-ware Kabuto samurai helmet ornament made around 40-50 years ago. It is made from a slip mould and coated in celadon glaze with gold enamel trim.  It has a thin purple cord with tassels attached to the front, and the bottom is unglazed.  This piece was most likely made to commemorate the annual children’s day festival on May 5th.  It would make a great paperweight, or perfect to pop on a small shelf as an ornament. 

Arita-ware refers to porcelain produced in the town of Arita in the southern island of Kyushu. In 1616 a Korean potter named Ri Sanpei discovered kaolin at Mt. Izumiyama, thus resulting in the birth of Japanese porcelain. Arita-ware is sometimes referred to as Imari-ware, and this is because export wares were shipped from the nearby port in Imari town. Edo period Arita-ware is generally classified into three groups; Ko-Imari (Early Imari), Kinrande (gold painted porcelain), and Kakiemon (elegant motifs of birds, animals and flowers). Another special, high quality porcelain known as Nabeshima (featuring woven/textile patterns) was also produced and given as gifts to the Imperial court and ruling class. To this day Arita remains at the centre of porcelain production in Japan.

Celadon refers to a type of glaze as well as a specific type of ware, both are characterized by a very pale green, powder blue, or grey-blue colour. The colour largely depends on the presence of iron in the clay and of iron oxide, manganese oxide, and quartz particles in the glaze. Firing conditions in the kiln also play a big role in determining colour.

Size

H.9.8cm (3.8”) x 12cm (4.7”) across x 8.3cm (3.2”) from back to front

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from the thin purple cord, the cord is quite faded and the tassels are a little scruffy.  There’s also a glaze imperfection under the visor of the helmet, some minor scuffing here and there, and some marks on the bottom. 

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.