68 - JAPAN - 18th century

JAPAN - 18th century Japanese "great armor" ” (*ô-yoroi*), lacquered in black and gold, It is fastened with navy blue silk cords and features a two-piece breastplate (*kin'urushinuri kon'ito nimai-dô tôsei gusoku*): - A *suji-bachi*-style helmet (*kabuto*) (with protruding ridges), topped by a gilded wooden frontal ornament (*maedate*) depicting a sun disc (*nichirin*). The helmet’s crown, composed of 62 black-lacquered plates, is crowned by a four-tiered copper finial (*tehen-no-kanamono*), adorned with engraved scroll motifs. The neck guard (*shikoro*) consists of five rows of gold-lacquered lamellae, of the *kiritsuke-kozane* type. The visor (*mabizashi*), with a hammered front edge, is flanked by two gold-lacquered side flaps (*fukikaeshi*) - A *resseibô*-style face mask (*menpô*) (depicting an angry face), featuring an attached nose adorned with a brown mustache and gold-lacquered teeth; it is complemented by a throat guard (*yodarekake*) with four rows of *kiritsuke-kozane*-style lamellae. • *Tôsei*-style shoulder guards (*sode*), consisting of five rows of slightly arched scales (*kiritsuke-kozane*), lacquered gold and connected by navy blue silk cords . • *Hisago*-style (gourd-shaped) arm guards (*kote*), consisting of various black-lacquered elements connected by Japanese metal chain mail (*kaushi-gusari*); some of these elements are shaped like a gourd, which gives the model its name. The hand guards (*tekko*) are decorated with raised motifs depicting various flowers. The entire set is mounted on a blue embroidered silk backing, adorned with vibrant floral motifs. • “Dô” (breastplate) of the “maru dô” type, composed of 8 rows of gold-lacquered “kiritsuke kozane” plates, assembled using the “kebiki odoshi” technique. The upper part is adorned with two gold-lacquered family crests (“mon”), depicting “mitsu kumi aikan” (three intertwined rings). Beneath these emblems is a chrysanthemum-shaped (“kiku”) cord loop. The back of the breastplate is fitted with a hook (“gattari”) and a mount for a standard (“uke-tsutsu”), complemented by a mounting base (“uke-tsubo”). Hanging from the breastplate are seven panels of “kusazuri” (thigh guards) made of gold-lacquered “kiritsuke kozane” plates. • “Haidate” (thigh guards) of the “shinô” type, formed of small, oblong, black-lacquered plates connected by metal links (“kaushi-gusari”). The lower section features chrysanthemum-shaped plates. The entire assembly is mounted on a matching silk fabric, edged with decorative smoked leather. • “Suneate” (shin guards) of the “tsubo” type, composed of black-lacquered metal plates that conform to the shape of the legs, extending upward with wing-shaped elements; the entire assembly is secured to a matching silk lining. The set comes with a bright red lacquered wooden storage chest (“yoroi-bitsu”), decorated with “maki-e " (decorative lacquer) depicting circles enclosing stylized butterflies, on a background adorned with a subtle gilded geometric pattern. The sides are fitted with iron handles shaped like chrysanthemums, used for carrying. Approximate height (with the chest): 160 cm. (Signs of wear, restorations, re-lacing, newer silk...) With its storage chest