69 - JAPAN - 19th century

JAPAN - 19th century A complete set of antique Japanese armor (yoroi), made of black- and brown-lacquered iron, featuring navy blue cords and orange trim. It consists of a five-piece articulated breastplate (kuro'urushinuri kon'ito hi'suso gomai'dô tôsei gusoku) and comes with two storage chests (yoroi'bako). Components: • Kabuto 兜 (helmet): A *suji'bachi*-style helmet composed of 62 brown iron plates with protruding ridges. It is topped with a circular metal frontal ornament (*maedate*). The top is adorned with a copper piece (*tehen no kanamono*) shaped like a six-tiered chrysanthemum, while the neck guard (*shikoro*) consists of five rows of black-lacquered slats (*itazane*). The wide side flaps (*fukigaeshi*), which curve backward, are covered with decorative smoked leather. • Menpō 面頬 (face mask): A black-lacquered *resseibō*-style mask (depicting a ferocious face), featuring a removable nose and a long, sparse black mustache. It is complemented by a throat guard (*yodarekake*) consisting of four rows of black-lacquered slats (*itazane*). • Sode 袖 (shoulder guards): *Tōsei*-style shoulder guards, consisting of five rows of slightly curved, black-lacquered slats (*itazane*) connected by blue silk cords using the *sugake odoshi* technique. • Kote 籠手 (arm guards): Of the *shino* type, they consist of various black-lacquered plates connected by Japanese chain mail (*kaushi-gusari*), all mounted on brown silk fabric (showing signs of wear). • Dō 胴 (breastplate): A brown iron breastplate, articulated into five sections. The central plate bears hammered *bonji* 梵字 (Sanskrit syllables), reading “Kanmān.” This inscription combines “KĀN”—the symbol of Fudō Myōō—with “MAN,” associated with the mantra of salvation through compassion and the mantra of the realm of fire. Together, they express the union of firmness and gentleness. The upper edge is laced with navy blue silk using the *sugake odoshi* and *kebiki odoshi* techniques; the sides are trimmed with decorative smoked leather. The front features two small gilded metal rings, each with chrysanthemum-shaped mounting plates, while the back features a large ring attached to a melon-shaped plate. The breastplate is complemented by a *kusazuri* (protective panels) consisting of seven sections, each composed of five *itazane* blades. • *Haidate* 膝当 (thigh guards): Composed of five rows of nineteen black-lacquered oval plates, connected by Japanese chain mail (*kaushi-gusari*) on a pastel orange silk background. The entire piece is edged with cotton padding and decorative smoked leather • *Suneate* 脛当 (shin guards): *Shino* style, consisting of long vertical metal plates linked by Japanese chain mail, mounted on dark gold silk and featuring navy blue *tateage* (knee guards). The set comes with two red-lacquered storage chests (*yoroi'bako* 鎧櫃), protected by a black leather cover adorned with family crests (*mon*) in gold lacquer on each side: - *Mitsudomoe* 三ツ巴 (three swirling commas) - *Maru ni mitsuboshi* 丸に三つ星 (three stars in a circle) Dimensions: Total height (including chest): approximately 140 cm. (restorations, wear, missing parts)