Samurai helmet box, attributed to a gift from Japanese monk Kennyo (Kosa) (1543-1592), the Abbot of Ishiyama Honganji temple in Osaka in the 16th century. This group of monks fought against Oda Nobunaga, a powerful samurai warlord, in the famous Ishiyama war which lasted a decade and marked the beginning of unification. The crest on the front is of three oak leaves in a circle (Maru Ni Mitsu Kashiwa). Tenbun period, 1532-1555. Dimensions 14.96in.Hx21.65in.Wx14.96in.D 38cmHx55cmWx38cmD