Antique Japanese Jingasa (陣笠) Lacquered Ceremonial Kasa with Gold Kamon, Taisho period, circa 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0739

Antique Japanese Jingasa (陣笠) Lacquered Ceremonial Kasa with Gold Kamon, Taisho period, circa 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0739

A rare lacquered ceremonial kasa bearing a gold kamon -- an extraordinary survival of Taisho-period craft and clan identity.

A kasa is a traditional Japanese conical hat, worn across many contexts from field work to formal procession. This exceptional example, however, clearly transcends everyday use. The exterior is finished in a richly textured dark brown lacquer -- the crackled, pebbled surface catching light in shifting patterns that speak to the painstaking application of urushi (lacquer) over a wood base. The broad, low-profile dome rises to a central peak, giving the hat its commanding, sculptural silhouette. This style of heavily lacquered, wide-brimmed kasa was associated with ceremonial processions and formal display in feudal and early modern Japan, where lacquerwork signaled both status and institutional affiliation. As a piece of antique Japanese lacquerware, the craftsmanship is exceptional -- each layer of urushi built up by hand to achieve both depth of color and remarkable durability over a century of time.

The interior tells an even richer story. The concave underside is finished in a dramatic swirling red-black lacquer with a fluid, marbled quality -- a technique that creates an almost hypnotic visual depth. At the crown, a bold gold kamon (family crest) is painted within a square reserve: a floral roundel design of refined elegance, identifying this hat with a specific clan or household. Several small metal rivets are visible in the interior, original fittings for a now-absent chin cord or suspension system. Today, this piece makes a commanding statement as living room wall art or an entryway focal point -- mounted flat against a wall, the exterior's rich texture and the interior's swirling lacquer offer two entirely different and equally striking displays. It is also a prized gift for collectors of Japanese antique art objects, those drawn to the wabi-sabi aesthetic, or anyone seeking a unique conversation piece that carries genuine historical weight.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period, circa 1912-1926
• Material: Wood base with layered urushi (lacquer) -- textured dark brown exterior, swirling red-black interior with gold kamon decoration
• Use: Ceremonial or procession kasa (hat), likely associated with a specific clan or formal institution
• Modern Use: Striking wall-mounted art display; entryway or living room decorative accent; collector's display piece for Japanese antique art
• Features: Broad conical form with raised central dome; heavily pebbled and crackled lacquer exterior; swirling red-black marbled lacquer interior; gold-painted kamon (floral roundel family crest) within a square reserve at the crown; original metal rivet fittings at interior
• Dimensions: 16 1/4"Diameter x 2 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and visually commanding piece of antique Japanese lacquerware -- where centuries-old clan identity and master urushi craft meet in a single, unforgettable object.

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.