This armor set is significant for its illustration of post-Edo restoration practices, wherein genuine Edo period components such as the kabuto and menpo were restored and supplemented for aesthetic enhancement. Despite these alterations, the armor maintains substantial historical and cultural value, offering insights into the changing roles and perceptions of samurai equipment in the late Edo and Meiji periods.
The kabuto, a 42-plate so-fukurin suji kabuto, exhibits the akodanari form popularized in the 16th century. It features black lacquer finish and two houjiro, with the kabutobachi dating to the early Edo period (17th century), while the shikoro, mabizashi, kuwagata, and maedate are Meiji period (19th century) additions.
The shikoro demonstrates the kiritsuke kozane technique with gold lacquer and red lacing. Notably, the fukigaeshi, sendanita, and kyuubiita bear consistent chrysanthemum branch motifs, a traditional pattern rather than a familial crest. The kuwagatadai displays intricate openwork carving, while the maedate presents a gold-lacquered, wood-carved dragon.
The ressei menpo’s russet iron face component dates to the early or mid-Edo period (17th-18th century), with a Meiji-era tare addition. The do, a gomaido gusoku, and the oosode both originate from the Meiji period, featuring gold-lacquered kiritsuke kozane and honkozane respectively.
The sangu, dating to the late Edo period (circa 1800), comprises shino-style kote and suneate, and iyo-style haidate, all with Meiji-era cloth repairs. The ensemble is preserved in a Meiji-period lacquered wood box with kamon fittings.
Private collection, Japan
Private collection, Switzerland
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