Trend of head protector had changed from Happuris (shaped like an inverted U) to Menpo(U shaped) which is a mask protecting cheeks and a chin. Nowadays almost all of antique head protectors appearing on the auctions are Menpo. This circumstances emphasizes the rarity of the Happuri all the more.

This Happuri is the one reproduced from the historical picture scrolls. The article is restored completely by Miura Kimihiro who is typical armor artisan of Japan and can make Japanese traditional armor with just same technique of Sengoku period.

The shape of the Happuri is achieved by striking iron, hand-perfected by the artisan. And the mask is lined with cloth which is just same as Original Happuris of 12th century. Surface of the Happuri is lacquered over and over with finest Urushi, so that color of the article became deep-glossy black.

Striking iron is extremely more difficult than castling, especially when the artist wants to make the mask fitting on human face perfectly. In that respect Miura is the ideal artisan for that work, since he can make real Japanese armor all by himself, and has had a great deal of experience in restoration of armors at museums. (He restored armor which had been presented to King James I by Tokugawa�fs shogun in 1613, and the armor is owned by Royal Armouries in United Kingdom in now.)

An attachement of the item is a black frame wooden box with gold-colored rim. The frame can be put and fix the Happuri and display it.

If you would not like to throw away heart,

Throw away armor,

Throw away state of general.”

Originated from [Nobunaga].

The second series of historical figure Oda Nobunaga has better over all balance than the first series. It is also of higher quality for fine oak with color of depth has been used to make the base. To express Nobunaga's inner space, AOW ventures to create the statue in stationary form. Gripping sword with one hand while praying with another, this works is brimming over with the spirit of Bushido".

”Refuse love, If you would not like to throw away heart, Throw away armor, Throw away state of general.” Originated from [Nobunaga].

The second series of historical figure Oda Nobunaga has better over all balance than the first series. It is also of higher quality for fine oak with color of depth has been used to make the base. To express Nobunaga's inner space, AOW ventures to create the statue in stationary form. Gripping sword with one hand while praying with another, this works is brimming over with the spirit of Bushido.

Limited manufacture to 300 units
Material: Pewter & Natural wood
Weight: 470 g
Size: 90mm (base excluded)
Unit Price: $89.99 (tax excluded)
Accompaniment: special wood base(oak) & serial number plate
Originated with: ART OF WAR
*The photo is image only.

Ken-Oh Kabuto (Made-to-Order Limited to 30 sets Worldwide!

*MADE AS A REAL Kabuto (1/1 Scale) using the real materials and processes based during the Warring States Period of Japan (Momoyama Period)

Raoh, who is also called as Ken-oh ("Fist King") is the star character of "Hokuto no Ken" (Fist of the North Star) manga series. In the comic, Raoh sacrificed everything for his unwavering lifetime conquest of the whole celestial heavens. Raoh's Kabuto or helmet, being the powerful symbol of his presence was selected as the first product for this new series under the ART OF WAR brand. Thus, Ken-Oh (which means "Fist King") will be the brand name for the all the items from ART OF WAR under this flagship new series. The world of the Fist of the North Star will be recreated using ART OF WAR's highly-acclaimed and well-known technology of molding and production techniques in addition to its current market shattering Berserk Statue lineup offerings. Undoubtedly, this Ken-Oh series will faithfully undergo ART OF WAR's unshakable passion for creating top-quality statues as pieces of art in offering our fans and clients only the best quality there is, consistently.

"Ken-oh Kabuto" *The Deep Love Was the Reason of Drowning

The basic form of the Kabuto is originated from Fist of the North Star Comic's dramatic battle scene between Kenshiro and Souther, the Holy Emperor. Simple but mighty in shape, it was made to represent Raoh's overwhelming divinity and personality in the manga.

*Developed and Produced Using Japanese traditional Amor-making Craft and Style - Ken-Oh Kabuto

Almost all of character products are made from resin such as FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) and it is a particularly rare case that real "iron" is used in making such. Not only that shaping and handling genuine iron by striking it is too hard, but also requires a long time, much armor nowadays is made of a compound metal which is easy to shaping by machine press. Moreover, such people skilled in this traditional art are now very few in the sense that nobody wants to continue this old-fashion craft of using such techniques. ART OF WAR avoided to use machine press, and preferred to use only the human hand-forging technique of striking iron in making the main shape of the helmet. It is the same technique as the Japanese traditional Armor craft perfected during the Warring States period which is what AOW is expert at. By faithfully sticking to AOW's ideals in making products and using real material completely for this Kabuto, ART OF WAR guarantees that this effort detail is suitable for Raoh's own personality which can be felt by gazing and observing the item itself.

*An Encounter Between Tetsuo Hara and ART OF WAR

The making of this Raoh Kabuto itself was the result of the direct request by Tetsuo Hara himself, the original creator of Fist of the North Star comic series. The whole manufacturing and development process of the product which has undergone the supervision of Mr. Hara almost took a year to finish. It is not to be let unnoticed that there is a difference between the image based in the manga and the product proportion itself. However, in order to pursue the real intention and meaning of a Kabuto itself, and appreciate its function's beauty, based in Japanese - KINOBI - design's aesthetic sense, we determinedly managed to seek Mr. Hara's permission to slightly change the proportion as represented in the manga (image) to result in better representation of this iconic Raoh' Kabuto. As can be observed, the Kabuto has both the great design based on the original comics and the genuine function of a real Kabuto. The right and left horns are generously applied with KINPAKU (gold-leaf) while the top horns are with GINPAKU (Silver-leaf), same material which makes Japanese Buddhist Statues look so peaceful with a commanding presence and serene gorgeous aura as that of Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, and the Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, in Kyoto. By using only natural materials to make the item, ART OF WAR guarantees this Kabuto will still be appreciated 100 years later, but of course, with great patination due to the passage of time.

Entirely Made-to-Order Work (Limited to only up to 30 sets, please note that the ordering would be closed when the orders are filled)

Size: 54 cm (H) x 49cm (W) x 42 cm (D) (Base Pedestal included)
Weight: 3.4kg (Base Pedestal included)
Materials: Iron, Japanese Red Pine, Hinoki (Japanese Cypress), Lacquer, Gold leaf (KINPAKU), Silver leaf (GINPAKU), Natural Stone, Cowhide, Silk Cloth etc.
Attachment: Paulownia Wooden box(Black-color wooden box, and gold color Chinese letter which means "Fist King")

Estimated Delivery Period: from 1 month to 12 months. First come first serve basis.

Originated & manufactured by: ART OF WAR

UESUGI KENSHIN Statue - (Art of waR Original - Historical Figure Series)

This works represents the most famous scene at the Battle of ”Kawanakajima”, which is famous for its fierceness. Fighting in the vanguard, Kenshin unbelievably dashed into Shingen's main camp with only a few troops. Most efforts have been made to recreate the vivid feeling of the twinkle when Kenshin waved around his sword at his rival on the moving horse.

Kenshin believed deeply in Buddhism and even thought himself the incarnation of Buddha. In order to represent Kenshin's magnetism, we have recreated the special sword which has no shell. Only people who do not fear being hurt will use a sword without shell, the part of a sword that protects one's hand from rival's sword. On the base of the works, you can see Kenshin's symbol word which was painted on the troops' flag.

Of course you can fully amuse yourself with simply the statue of Kensin, while together with Shingen's statue, the fighting scene can be represented completely and it will give you the feeling of being at a live performance.

Limited manufacture to 500 pieces only. Serial Number nameplate attached. (Takeda Shingen is sold separately)
Size: 90mm (Base excluded)
Material: Pewter, Wood
Originated & manufactured by ART OF WAR
Released Date: July, 2007

SHIPPING: (Via EMS only)

Please review the Shipping and Insurance Policy first for further explanation and combined shipping estimates.

We are only shipping via EMS for all of our items due to risks involved shipped via the other cheaper ways and safety concerns. EMS is trackable online and is very fast and reliable. We will ship within 3-7 business working days and register the tracking number with the paypal transaction. Please use the tracking number to trace your package at the EMS Japan website.

Shipping and Handling Costs:

Japan (Local) - $15

Area 1 (ASIA) - $40

Area 2 (USA, canada, Australia) - $54

Area 3 (Europe) - $62

Area 4 (Latin America, Middle East, Others,- $100

Historical Figure Series: Oda Nobunaga Horse Riding Statue

Oda Nobunaga, the most well-known general of the Warring State Period, swept the whole country of Japan with his brand new thinking and bold tactics. Nobunaga was a man of plasticity and adopted the Western culture before anyone else. The best example is that Nobunaga was one of the earliest people in the world who possessed a large number of guns for having realized their power. Being filled with ambition to integrate dominions of Japan into a whole country with the help of gun's power, Nobunaga has been described as a talent meanwhile a maniac as well. This statue of Nobunaga is dressed in his favorite Nanban Kabuto. Colors of black, red and golden partially added to the works represent the unique sense of beauty of the Warring State Period. On the horse back, you can find a matchlock which was the latest weapon at that time. Special efforts have been made to represent minute parts. For example, even the mechanism inside the matchlock has been represented same as that of a real gun.

Limited manufacture to 500 units
Material: pewter & natural oak
Size: 90mm (base excluded)
Accompaniment: exclusive wooden base & serial number plate
Originated with: ART OF WAR

Kensin Original Hand Towel(Patterned With Chinese Character “Dragon”) - RYU

*Great for interiors and probably symbolizes the epitome of contemporary Japanese Wabi-Sabi Design

This listing is high-class, top design Japanese Banner - TENUGUI - designed by Art of waR ourselves. So simple yet so poweful.

In ancient China, dragon was the symbol of Emperor. In Japan, dragon has been worshipped as the God of sea. Uesugi Kenshin, who is the Daimyo of Echigo area in Japan’s Warring States Period, used the Chinese character “Dragon” on the colors when he launched all-out attacks on the enemies to raise the morale of his troops for the great power being felt from the character and a believe that God dwells in it.

We are now offering a piece of true Wabi-sabi taste item - great to complement your interiors or abode in a peaceful and simple design. Please take note that the acrylic frame is not included but is highly-suggested to be hanged as such and for display in living rooms or even for Japanese design shops or restaurants. Truly a Japonisme symbol to remind you of the highest discipline and arts refined during the Warring States period of Japan where the Samurai, along with the Buddhist and Shinto history of Japan, perfected the base of contemporary Japanese art and design.

Hand towel or TENUGUI became popular in Japan with the spread of use of cotton in the Edo period. Among the hand towels made that time, those made by Edo artisans with patterns of ukiyo-e and kabuki were especially appreciated for their refined design.

This item is hand perfected by EDO SHOKUNIN or Edo artisan/craftsmen who has long carried over the traditional Edo workmanship style and techniques. Each piece is died layer by layer and all are handmade. Original pattern has been sculpted for this design.

On the left corner of the towel, the artist’s (Kenshin Art of waR) seal has been stamped one by one by hand. Also the contrastive colors of vermilion and navy have been dyed skillfully by hand-work.

As a daily necessity, although hand towels are very useful with its high absorbency but they are also widely used as interior goods or wrapping material.

Size: 32cm (H)x 102cm (W) Weight: 40g Material: cotton 100% (made in Japan - Handmade)

SHIPPING: (Via EMS only) - Please review the Shipping and Insurance Policy as well.

We are only shipping via EMS for all of our items due to risks involved shipped via the other cheaper ways and safety concerns. EMS is trackable online and is very fast and reliable. We will ship within 3-7 business working days and register the tracking number with the paypal transaction. Please use the tracking number to trace your package at the EMS Japan website.

Shipping and Handling Costs:

Japan (Local) - $5

Area 1 (ASIA) - $14

Area 3 (Europe) - $20

Area 4 (Latin America, Middle East, Others,- $22

Nanban-Kabuto (Helmet)

Nanban-Kabuto is a kind of armor imported from Europe during the Warring State Period of Japan. This work is produced to the scale of 1/2 original. It is in perfect shape even that Japanese-made parts have been fused together with the foreign-country-made bowl. To recreate the graceful and strong line, the functional beauty with no waste of the armor, abundant time has been spent on tapping out the shape. Especially for iron-polishing and painting, one process is usually repeated over 10 times under carefulness. As a result,a kind of unique profoundness and powerfulness has been recreated successfully in the Nanban-Kabuto.

Size: 1/2 scale 23.5cm (H)x 20cm (W)x 18cm (D) Weight: 600g Material: Iron, Leather, Lacquer, Cloth, Wood, etc. Accompaniment: Wood placard, Paulownia wooden case, Pedestal Base Release Time: made-to-order (2-3 months)

Uesugi Kenshin ~ Statue In Armor ~

With this item, we try to recreate Kenshin's divine character. The armor Kenshin's statue wears has been perfected on the base of research on "Mogami-Kabuto", the kind of armor that has been loved by the House of Uesugi. All producing processes were executed in the same way as the original made 400 years ago. Although this item is only 1/4 scale of the original, each piece of "Kozane" (the scale shaped iron leafs of which the armor is composed) is produced so elaborately that you can feel a kind of delicate beauty from the armor. Cardinal of "Odoshi" (lace used to connect the iron leafs) matches so well with the Black of "Kozane", giving a sense of elegance which is appropriate for Kenshin's image. The "Oreeboshinari-Kabuto" (helmet) painted with gold foil is one of its producer, Mr. Miura's best works invested with top class techniques.

Size: 1/4 scale 49cm (H)x 22cm (W)x 20cm (D) Material: Iron, Deer leather, Lacquer, Silk, etc. Accompaniment: Paulownia wooden case, Acrylic case

Statue of “Fudo Myoou”(Discernment King)

It is said that paintings of “Fudo Myoou” was first brought to Japan by Kobo Daishi-Kuukai from China together with sutras of esoteric Buddhism. “Fudo” is known as an incarnation of Buddha Dainichi whose role is to guide those disobey the right. That is why “Fudo Myoou” owns the frightening appearance. For his blessings like protecting people from evil, good luck, success in life and so on, “Fudo Myoou” is widely revered and believed even in the modern society today.

Size: 23.5 cm (H) x 29 cm (W) x 17 cm (D) (base included) Material: Miscanthus, gold-plated chain Attachment: Paulownia Wooden case, Props Method of Order: Made-to-order(3 months) Originated & Manufactured by ART OF WAR