Japanese antique Samurai Children’s (Boys Day) festival set, full set with box, circa 1920.

Made specifically to display during Japan’s popular Boys Day festival, this harder to find old antique early 20th century specimen is complete and all pieces fit handsomely into the black lacquered ebony lacquered box.

Dimensions:
Set height with display box is approx 32 inches
The black lacquered tansu box measures approx 16 inches high and 14 inches wide. The armor measures approx. 15? tall when assembled.

Quality: The helmet ‘Cap’ is bronze and the inside lining is hand-stitched. The detailed neck guards are hand woven fabric and brass with paper and lacquer ornamental decoration. The dragon crest is gilded and in overall excellent condition.

This set was purchased by the collector in Japan approx 30 years ago and is in Fine condition.

History of Boys Day:
Boys Day now named Children’s Day, is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month, and is part of Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948. It has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times.

Until recently, Tango no sekku was known as Boys’ Day (also known as Feast of Banners) while Girls’ Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3. In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers. It was renamed Kodomo no Hi. On this day, families also display a Kintaro doll usually riding on a large carp, and the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto, due to their tradition as symbols of strength and vitality. Kintaro (????) is the childhood name of Sakata no Kintoki who was a hero in the Heian period, a subordinate samurai of Minamoto no Raikou, having been famous for his strength when he was a child.