Katchushi Showroom

陳列室

Kamakura period Hachiman-za  鎌倉時代 の 八幡座

This was a commision by a private client to make an exact representation of a soft metal fitting known as the Hachiman-za 八幡座 for an original Kamakura period (1185-1333) helmet bowl. The term Hachiman-za translates basically to "Seat of Hachiman". Hachiman 八幡 is  more commonly known as the Divinity of war. During the mid to late Edo period 江戸時代 (1603-1868) the helmet had been altered to accomodate the taste and style of the period such as a much smaller Hachiman-za and other fittings typical of the Edo age. The client wished for the helmet  bowl to be reverted back to how it would have looked originally. Helmet bowls of this great age are obviously rare and rarely seen outside of museums.

Thorough research of the fittings for Kamakura period helmets was absolutely critical to maintain the correct dimensions necessary for a successful outcome,  as was the compostiton of the special alloy needed to make it.

Each plate that composes this Hachiman-za  was individually hand crafted, finished, patinated and then fitted together

Edo period alteration with a steel plate (with smaller hole) riveted under the original larger size opening. This plate had to be removed to allow for the much larger Kamakura period fiting.

The basic and preliminary fit of the Hachiman-za prior to patination. It is composed of six individual plates of Kuromi-do 黒味銅 (a special alloy with a small percent of Arsenic added). The smallest plate seen in the centre of the fitting is known as the Tamabuchi and is made in one piece with a central tube, which helps secure the fitting to the helmet bowl.

The patinated and fitted Hachimanza. The final  colour was acheived by traditional Japanese metal colouring techniques. The domed rivets on the largest plates are all made and fitted individually with seperate decorative washers at their base.

The completed Kamakura period Hachi