Yoroi. Kuro-urushinuri Honkozane Konito-odoshi Domaru Gusoku

Japanese master

Japan

Kuro-urushinuri Honkozane Konito-odoshi Domaru Gusoku

Edo period

Presentation

The samurai armor described is an exquisite example Japanese craftsmanship from the Edo period featuring a 24-plate hoshi bachi kabuto (“star bowl,”alluding to the protruding rivets) of rounded form, with elaborate gilt and copper hachimanza (decorative fixture at the central aperture), with two kuwagata stylized antlers and a maedate showing a cut-out moon (mamukitsuki mon). A three-tiered shikoro with kebiki lacing in dark blue and two prominent fukigaeshi adorned with the imperial kiri-mon crest,.

Protecting the face is a fierce russet iron ressei menpo with two-tier yodarekake, pronounced wrinkles for an intimidating appearance, a moustache and a detachable nose.

The cuirass (do) is constructed in rounded domaru style which closes from the right side and is crafted in the honkozane style, renowned for its labor-intensive and exclusive technique, where each kozane is individually laced in dark blue odoshi. The edges of each piece are meticulously covered with fukuri. All parts feature high-quality metal components, and the original fabric of each section remains intact. On both of the gyoyo attached to the cord of the cuirass we can also see the imperial kiri-mon.

The sode, shoulder guards, are six-tiered and similarly to the cuirass, laced in dark blue odoshi in honkozane technique. The kote, the armored sleeves are lacquered in black with iron plates and chainmail. The haidate, the thigh guards, are also made with individual leather scales and laced in dark blue. The suneate, the shin guards, feature iron bands tied together with dark blue threads.

This suit of armor is accompanied by a Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Paper, the second-highest certificate issued by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor. As per the certificate, the armor dates back to the late Edo period.

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