72 - Japan—late 18th century, early 19th century

Japan—late 18th century, early 19th century Antique, complete Japanese armor (yoroi), lacquered in black and gold, featuring orange, green, white, and multicolored lacing cords, and comprising a two-piece breastplate (kuro'urushinuri iroiro'ito nimai'dô tôsei gusoku) . • *Suji'bachi kabuto* (helmet with protruding ridges) topped with a *maedate* (frontal ornament) made of gilded wood depicting a *hi no maru* (solar disc). The helmet’s crown, composed of 62 patinated iron plates (“rusty iron”), is crowned by a *tehen’no’kanamono* (decorative top piece) with five tiers, partially gilded and engraved with scrollwork motifs. The *shikoro* (neck guard) consists of four rows of gold-lacquered plates, of the *kiritsuke kozane* type. The visor (*mabizashi*), with a hammered front edge, is flanked by two protruding *fukikaeshi* (side flaps), lacquered gold. • *Hanbô* (mask protecting the lower part of the face), black lacquered, featuring a very tapered chin reminiscent of a fox (*kitsune*) and adorned with a plum blossom (*ume*). It is complemented by a four-tiered *yodarekake* (neck guard), composed of gold-lacquered blades of the *kiritsuke kozane* type. • *Sode* (shoulder guards) of the *tôsei* type, formed of five rows of slightly arched *hon kozane*-style plates, lacquered gold and connected by orange, green, white, and multicolored silk cords • *Kote* (armored sleeves) of the *shino* type, consisting of black-lacquered metal pieces connected by Japanese chain mail (*kaushi-gusari*) and attached to a brown cotton backing. Elongated vertical plates protect the forearm; the upper arm is protected by similar elements, supplemented by wider square and rectangular plates connected by a denser chain. The elbow guard is shaped like a chrysanthemum flower (*kiku*). • *Dô* (chest plate): *nuinobe* style, consisting of two parts and cylindrical in shape; it consists of rows of black-lacquered plates in the *kiritsuke iyozane* style, assembled with green silk lacing (*sugake odoshi*). The back of the breastplate is fitted with a hook (*gattari*) and a flagpole holder (*ukezutsu*). *Kusazuri* (protective panels) are suspended from the breastplate; they are divided into six sections, each composed of four gold-lacquered plates in the *kiritsuke kozane* style. • *Haidate* (thigh guards): of the *shinô* type, formed of small, oblong, black-lacquered plates connected by a metal mesh (*kaushi-gusari*). The lower section features rectangular plates arranged around a chrysanthemum motif, all mounted on a matching brown cotton fabric • *Suneate* (leg guards): *shinô* style, consisting of long metal blades linked by Japanese chain mail, attached to a matching cotton fabric; they are equipped with dark-colored *tateage* (knee guards). • *Kegutsu* (fur shoes): made of black “wild boar” hide, adorned with a silver-colored leather tab on the front, a silk trim with a red cotton hem, and a yellow silk cord. (Later period). • The set comes with a brown lacquered wooden storage chest (*yoroi'bako*), fitted with iron handles on the sides for carrying. Approximate height (with the chest): 160 cm. (signs of wear, missing parts, loose elements, restorations, etc.)