76 - JAPAN - 20th century

JAPAN - 20th century Black-lacquered Japanese armor (*tôsei gusoku*), adorned with red cords (*kuro'urushinuri kurenai'ito kurenai'suso nimai'dô tôsei gusoku*). The set bears an emblem (*mon*) depicting two horizontal lines inside a circle (*maru ni futatsu hiki*). • Helmet (*kabuto*): A *suji'bachi kabuto* (helmet with protruding ridges) composed of 12 plates; it is topped by a circular metal frontal ornament (*maedate*), bearing the same emblem in repoussé, and flanked by short horns (*kuwagata*). It is adorned with a decorative tassel (*agemaki*) made of yellow silk. The neck guard (*shikoro*), consisting of three rows of slats (*itazane*), features short, protruding fins (*fukikaeshi*) on the sides . • Mask (*menpô*): Of the *ressei-bô* type (depicting an angry face), featuring a removable nose, a gray mustache, and gold-lacquered teeth; it is complemented by a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of four rows of blades (*kiritsuke iyozane*) . • Shoulder guards (*sode*): *Tôsei* style, consisting of five rows of slightly curved blades (*itazane*). • Armguards (*kote*): *Shino* style, composed of long vertical metal rods connected by chain mail (*kusari*), all mounted on a golden-brown silk backing. • Breastplate (*dô*): *Yokohagi okegawa-dô* style; the front features a large emblem composed of two bands, lacquered gold. The front is fitted with a decorative silk tassel (*agemaki*) (the corresponding element is missing). Six panels of *kusazuri* (shoulder guards), each composed of five *kiritsuke iyozane* plates, are suspended from the breastplate. • Belt (*uwa'obi*): Made of gray silk, adorned with a gold pattern. • *Haidate* (佩楯) thigh guards: composed of four rows of ten *kurata* plates connected by laces, mounted on a matching silk base and edged with smoked leather. • *Suneate* (臑当) shin guards: *shino*-style, consisting of long metal blades connected by chain mail (*kusari*) and mounted on a matching silk base, complemented by blue *tateage* (knee guards). The armor comes with a square, black-lacquered storage chest (*yoroi'bako*), equipped with handles for carrying it on a pole. On the front, traces of an emblem consisting of two parallel stripes are still visible. Height including the chest: approximately 160 cm. (Signs of wear, minor missing pieces...)