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Ceremonial helmet with lion dog and peony design
(Shishi botan jingasa 獅子牡丹陣笠)
(19th century)
Medium
lacquer on (leather) (maki-e), metal, silk, mother-of-pearl, (other materials)
Measurements
15.0 × 55.0 cm diameter
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Joan Gunn, 2011
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
During the Edo period, jingasa (military hats) symbolised a samurai’s daily attire in times of peace. Jingasa were also used for travel, hunting, riding, police duty and municipal outings, while also maintaining a public display of the samurai’s high social status. Often appearing gambolling among peony flowers in a celebration of long life and happiness, mythological ‘lion dogs’ known as shishi were associated with samurai as protectors of society. They were thought to possess magical properties that could repel evil and bring bountiful harvests, while their dance was considered a form of exorcism against disease and bad luck.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
2011.340
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Jingasa (samurai hats) were mainly used during the mid to late Edo Period (1700-1868). The word Jingasa is made up of two symbols "Kasa" meaning hat and "Jin" meaning military. In general the Edo period was a time of peace. Kabuto (helmets worn with armour) were used less and Jingasa (hats for daily use) became more popular. The main purpose for Kabuto was for protection against arrow or sword in battle, however with Jingasa the emphases was more on the practicalities of protection against sun and rain. Jingasa are seen as a symbol of a "Samurai's daily attire in times of peace" and were used for travel, police duty, municipal outings, hunting and riding while also maintaining a public display of the Samurai's high social status.