The samurai armor set under examination is a chigo yoroi (child’s armor) from the late Edo period, early 19th century. It exemplifies the craftsmanship and artistic elements typical of high-ranking samurai families, particularly those associated with the Tokugawa clan.

The kabuto (helmet) is a 16-plate suji kabuto with an iron russet finish. Its maedate (frontal ornament) features a gold-lacquered wooden carving of a dragon with cloud kuwagata (antler-like projections), demonstrating both the artistic and symbolic importance of helmet ornamentation in this period.

The armor’s shikoro (neck guard) is constructed of iron with gold lacquer, utilizing navy and red lacing. The fukigaeshi (turnbacks) are adorned with metal fittings depicting the Tokugawa aoimon crest, a clear indication of the armor’s association with the ruling Tokugawa family or its close allies.

The menpo (face mask) is crafted from iron with black lacquer in the ressei style, featuring a gold-lacquered mustache. Its tare (throat guard) is composed of chain mail covered with cloth, balancing protection with aesthetics.

The dō (cuirass) is an okegawa ni-mai dō (two-section cuirass) made of iron with black lacquer. It is embellished with a gold amaryu (rain dragon) motif, a design element repeated on an attached wooden carving. The kusazuri (skirt) matches the cuirass with black lacquer and navy and red lacing.

The sode (shoulder guards) are finished with black lacquer and feature navy and red lacing, with a painted lacquer crow design, adding to the armor’s decorative scheme.

The sangu (three-piece armor set) comprises shino-style kote (arm guards) with gold lacquer, iyo-style haidate (thigh guards), and tsutsu-style suneate (shin guards), both made of black-lacquered leather.

Notably, the shikoro, dō, and sode are further embellished with makie lacquer designs of clouds and dragons, while the suneate features rabbits on waves, demonstrating the high level of artistry applied to this child’s armor set.

The armor is preserved in a karabitsu (Chinese-style chest) made of lacquered wood, decorated with the Tokugawa kamon (family crest) in makie lacquer work. An accompanying gunsen (war fan) also bears the Tokugawa kamon in makie lacquer.

This armor set is significant for its exceptional quality and intricate decorations, indicating it was likely crafted for a child of the Tokugawa family or a closely related daimyo.