Antique Japanese Jingasa (陣笠) Ceremonial Lacquered Bamboo hat, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0740

Antique Japanese Jingasa (陣笠) Ceremonial Lacquered Bamboo hat, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0740

A rare lacquered bamboo kasa bearing an official mon crest and red inscription -- a surviving artifact of Taisho-era Japanese ceremonial culture.

A kasa is a traditional Japanese conical hat woven from split bamboo strips, worn across a wide range of social contexts from field work to formal processions. This exceptional example is far removed from the everyday variety: its tightly woven bamboo body is sealed under a glossy black lacquer finish, and the exterior carries a gold-painted kamon (family or institutional crest) near the crown alongside a bold red inscription running down the face panel. The inscription and the style of crest together strongly suggest this kasa was associated with an official household or institutional procession -- likely worn by an attendant or escort during formal public appearances in the Taisho period. The braided bamboo brim edge is finished with the same black lacquer, creating a refined silhouette that reads more as regalia than headwear. The domed brass finial at the apex adds a final note of ceremonial weight. This is a compelling piece of antique Japanese craft and social history.

Today this striking kasa makes an outstanding living room accent or study wall display -- its bold circular form, dramatic black lacquer, gold mon, and red calligraphic inscription give it the presence of fine folk art. Mounted flat against a wall, it reads instantly as a statement piece in Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors where natural materials and historic patina are celebrated. The heavily crazed red-lacquered interior, visible when the hat is displayed face-up, adds a second layer of visual drama for collectors who appreciate aged surfaces. It would make a truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques, historians of Meiji and Taisho court culture, or any Japanophile looking for an object with genuine provenance and presence.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Woven split bamboo body; black lacquer exterior; red lacquer interior with heavy crazing; gold-painted kamon crest; red-painted inscription in romaji-unverified characters; braided bamboo brim edge; brass dome finial; padded cloth headband fitting
• Use: Ceremonial or official procession headwear, likely worn by an attendant or escort associated with a formal household or institution
• Modern Use: Statement wall art for living room or study; decorative collector display piece; unique housewarming gift for Japanese antique enthusiasts
• Features: Low conical silhouette with wide brim; herringbone bamboo weave throughout; gold mon crest near crown (exact identification requires specialist verification); red inscription on exterior panel (exact reading requires specialist verification); brass dome apex finial; braided lacquered brim; heavily crazed red-lacquered interior; padded cloth headband fitting at interior center
• Dimensions: 16 1/2"Diameter x 5"H
• Condition: Consistent with age -- black lacquer exterior shows expected wear and exposure crazing; red lacquer interior is heavily crazed with significant flaking revealing the bamboo weave beneath; brass finial retains original patina; gold mon and red inscription remain legible; cloth headband fitting shows age and may be a later addition. Displays beautifully.

A rare and compelling piece of antique Japanese craft -- this ceremonially marked kasa brings history, artisanship, and bold visual presence to any collector's home or gallery wall.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.