A pair of Japanese Samurai hats beautifully transformed into a magnificent Handbag. The handles are made from Japanese Bamboo root, held onto the bag by antique Japanese Textile strung onto multiple pieces of Damascene (Gold Bidri work). The handles at either end has been decorated with Gold Gilded Silver edges with a gold tassel elegantly drooping on one side of the handle. The inside of the bag has been done in purple silk lining while the Bag stands atop four Gold Gilded on Sterling Silver stands. The bag has been emblemed with the mark of the clan, to which Samurai belonged.
These Samurai Hats started to become popular through the late Edo Era. Traditionally a defensive helmet, they were allegedly first crafted from wood, leather, then iron and later steel. They progressively began getting better as the Samurais grew in popularity on the battlefield. Always conical in shape, the purpose of the Jingasa (Hat) is to deflect the blows of weapons, deflecting out and away from the Ashigaru (Warrior) wearing it. The Hats were traditionally lacquered in black and would typically bear the mon of their clans (mark or crest) or that of their unit. This helped soldiers to be easily identified from a distance. These mon were often painted in gold color, just like the Hat in this design. The Bidri art form is a kind of damascene work known as "koftagiri" - a system of ornamentation consisting of encrusting gold or silver on iron objects. In 'Bidri' or 'Bidari', the metals silver, gold or brass are overlaid or inlaid in the designs to decorate objects made out of an alloy of zinc and copper. After sourcing the Samurai Hats, this Bag took 3 months with over 11 craftsmen and designers involved in various stages.
Dimension: 42(H) x 40.8(L) x 11.30(W) cms..
Handle length: 43.50 cms.
Net Weight: 1.85 Kgs.
Search
My Account
