71 - JAPAN - Late 18th century

JAPAN - Late 18th century Japanese *ô-yoroi* armor. It consists of a two-piece breastplate (*ni-mai dô*) and features gold lacquer, orange and multicolored cords, as well as orange borders (*kin'urushinuri iroiro-ito hi-suso ni-mai dô tôsei gusoku*). The armor includes a *suji-bachi*-style helmet (*kabuto*), made of thirty-two iron plates. On the front are a pair of horn-shaped brass ornaments (*kuwagata*), framing a circular *maedate* (frontal ornament) bearing an emblem (*mon*): a four-petaled flower within a circle (*maru ni hanakaku*). The helmet is topped with a copper *tehen-no-kanamono* (decorative crest) in the shape of a five-row chrysanthemum flower. It features a neck guard (*shikoro*) composed of gold-lacquered plates, of the *kiritsuke-kozane* type, held in place by cords. The wide side flaps (*fukikaeshi*) are covered with decorative “smoked” leather and adorned with the same emblem. The armor comes with a mask (*menpô*) made of patinated iron, with clean lines and no wrinkles. It features a removable nose piece, attachment hooks for the cords (*otayori*), and a hole for sweat drainage (*ase-nagashi no ana*). Beneath the mask is a throat guard (*yodarekake*) consisting of five black-lacquered plates connected by cords. Shoulder protection is provided by wide shoulder guards (*ô-sode*) consisting of six gold-lacquered plates, of the *kiritsuke-kozane* type, adorned on the sides with orange silk cords ending in tassels. The arms are protected by various gold-lacquered elements, connected to one another by Japanese chain mail. Some of these elements take the form of gourds, which gives this type of arm protection the name *hisago-kote* (gourd-shaped arm guards). The elbow guard is shaped like a chrysanthemum flower, while the hand guards (*tekko*) are decorated with various floral motifs in relief. The entire set is mounted on a navy blue embroidered silk background, adorned with floral and cloud motifs. The two-part, cylindrical breastplate consists of gold-lacquered horizontal plates, of the *kiritsuke kozane* (*kiritsuke kozane nimai-dō*) type, connected by orange cords and edged with decorative leather known as “smoked leather .” At the back, a ring holds a very large *agemaki* (decorative tasseled knot) made of orange silk. Hanging from the shoulders are two matching pieces: a *sendan-no-ita* plate (right side) and a *kyūbi-no-ita* plate (left side). Hanging from the breastplate are an oval copper ring and a protective skirt (*kusazuri*) divided into seven sections, each composed of five plates. One of the *kiritsuke kozane* plates is lacquered silver, unlike the others, which are lacquered gold. The thigh guards (*haidate*) consist of a large piece of embroidered silk, dark gold in color and adorned with floral motifs (later restoration), edged with decorative leather known as “smoked leather.” Each leg guard features a wide, gold-lacquered *kiritsuke kozane* plate, which extends into three narrower bands, each formed of three interconnected plates. The leg guards (*suneate*), which are tubular in shape, consist of vertical gold-lacquered metal plates connected by Japanese chain mail (*shino-suneate*) and mounted on the same silk fabric used for the arm guards (*kote*). The set comes with a pair of square, slightly domed storage chests (*yoroi-bako*), lacquered dark brown and fitted with iron handles for carrying on a pole. They are protected by a black leather cover, adorned with the same gold floral motif. Total height (with chest): approximately 160 cm. (Signs of wear, restorations, etc.)