67 - JAPAN - 19th century

JAPAN - 19th century Restored samurai armor dating from the late Edo period (approximately 200 years old). It has the following features: - A kabuto (helmet): a suji-bachi model composed of 18 metal plates, lacquered dark brown with “silver” sections at the front and back. It is adorned with an impressive maedate (frontal ornament) made of black-lacquered wood and metal, shaped like a centipede. It also features a *tehen-kanamono* (ornament at the top of the helmet) made of copper with four tiers, *shinodare* (vertical decorative elements) shaped like arrows, as well as *fukigaeshi* (side flaps) and a gold-lacquered iron visor, partially covered with decorated leather. -The *shikoro* (neck guard) consists of three rows of gold-lacquered iron plates of the *kiritsuke-kozane* type, assembled with a three-colored *hishi-nui-odoshi* lacing (black, multicolored, and orange), complemented by an orange *agemaki* (decorative knot). - A *menpô* (face guard) made of iron, of the *ressei* type (depicting a wrathful face or “angry man”). It features gold-lacquered teeth, a red-painted upper lip, and a white mustache. The *yodarekake* (chinstrap) consists of four rows of gold-lacquered *kiritsuke-kozane* plates, held together by black lacing. - A *dô* (cuirass) of the *tatehagi-okegawa* type, formed of ten iron plates, to which are attached *kusazuri* featuring gilded plates and black lacing (*sugake-odoshi*). On the back are various attachments designed to carry a banner: *gattari*, *machi-uke*, and *uke-tsubo*. The shoulder guards are of the *tôsei* type and consist of five rows lacquered in gold. The *haidate* (thigh guards) are made of iron plates connected by chain mail (*kaushi-gusari*). The *kote* (arm guards) are of the *sanmai-tsutsu* type and the *suneate* (leg guards) are of the *shino* type, all resting on a piece of silver-embroidered silk fabric adorned with plant scroll motifs. The set comes with a red lacquered wooden chest featuring iron fittings. The front of the storage chest is adorned with the character *mae* 前 (“front”) in gold lettering. Height (including the chest): approximately 160 cm. (Signs of wear, restorations, etc.)