Antique Japanese jingasa hats (circa mid-19th century) originally worn by conscripted peasant soldiers during the Sengoku and Edo periods, now reworked as a functioning lamps.
Part of Altar Pieces, an ongoing series reworking historical objects into new contexts.
Reworked as lamps, though closer to sculpture, these hats continue their duty of shading eyes from light with their brims. Likely dating to the late Edo period, they have been sourced from across Japan and mounted on bespoke steel bases designed by us in London and hand-fabricated, cut, welded and bent into loose, ikebana-like forms.
The steel bases have been waxed to a deeper tone that complements the hats’ patina. Hand-bent holders cradle each bulb, wired with cream silk cord.
The hats remain untouched. Woven from lacquered paper, their wear, breaks and frayed ties are integral, allowing light to pass through in irregular ways, reminiscent of komorebi – light filtered through natural forms. This particular piece has a red painted interior that casts a more theatrical glow.
Originally functional, mass-used objects, jingasa were rarely marked or signed, and their forms changed little over time, making precise dating difficult – consistent with late Edo production as local militarisation intensified towards the end of the shogunate.
Each hat rests on its structure rather than being fixed, closer to a museum display than a conventional fitting. Not restored, not disguised, just held.
Variations on these pieces can be commissioned, subject to the availability of Japanese jingasa.
Height: approx. 49 cm
Widest point of hat: approx. 42 cm
Base: 15 × 12 × 3 cm
Collection from Brixton, London or arranged delivery.
Antique Japanese jingasa hats (circa mid-19th century) originally worn by conscripted peasant soldiers during the Sengoku and Edo periods, now reworked as a functioning lamps.
Part of Altar Pieces, an ongoing series reworking historical objects into new contexts.
Reworked as lamps, though closer to sculpture, these hats continue their duty of shading eyes from light with their brims. Likely dating to the late Edo period, they have been sourced from across Japan and mounted on bespoke steel bases designed by us in London and hand-fabricated, cut, welded and bent into loose, ikebana-like forms.
The steel bases have been waxed to a deeper tone that complements the hats’ patina. Hand-bent holders cradle each bulb, wired with cream silk cord.
The hats remain untouched. Woven from lacquered paper, their wear, breaks and frayed ties are integral, allowing light to pass through in irregular ways, reminiscent of komorebi – light filtered through natural forms. This particular piece has a red painted interior that casts a more theatrical glow.
Originally functional, mass-used objects, jingasa were rarely marked or signed, and their forms changed little over time, making precise dating difficult – consistent with late Edo production as local militarisation intensified towards the end of the shogunate.
Each hat rests on its structure rather than being fixed, closer to a museum display than a conventional fitting. Not restored, not disguised, just held.
Variations on these pieces can be commissioned, subject to the availability of Japanese jingasa.
Height: approx. 49 cm
Widest point of hat: approx. 42 cm
Base: 15 × 12 × 3 cm
Collection from Brixton, London or arranged delivery.
Image 1 of 14
Image 2 of 14
Image 3 of 14
Image 4 of 14
Image 5 of 14
Image 6 of 14
Image 7 of 14
Image 8 of 14
Image 9 of 14
Image 10 of 14
Image 11 of 14
Image 12 of 14
Image 13 of 14
Image 14 of 14