78 - JAPAN - First half of the 19th century

JAPAN - First half of the 19th century Complete set of Japanese armor, *tōsei gusoku* style, characterized by a red and gold lacquer finish, rich lacing with multicolored silk cords, and orange details (*kurenai urushi-nuri iroiro-ito hi-suso nimai-dō tōsei gusoku*). This set includes: - Helmet (*kabuto*): A *suji-bachi* helmet (with protruding ridges) composed of 32 weathered iron plates, topped by a large gilded wooden frontal ornament (*maedate*) depicting a dragon holding a precious jewel in one of its claws. It is flanked by a pair of long gilded metal elements (*kuwagata*) and crowned at the top by a four-tiered gilded metal finial (*tehen no kanamono*), finely engraved with plant motifs. The visor (*mabizashi*) features a pronounced hammered rim. The neck guard (*shikoro*), consisting of four *kiritsuke kozane*-style plates, extends into wide side flaps (*fukigaeshi*) curved backward; these are covered in smoked leather adorned with patterns and embellished with gilded elements depicting bouquets of chrysanthemums. - Face mask (*menpô*): A red-lacquered *ressei-bô*-style mask, featuring a characteristic fierce expression, with a removable nose and a mustache made of gray horsehair. It is complemented by a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of four *kiritsuke kozane*-style plates. - Shoulder guards (*sode*): A pair of *tōsei-sode*-style shoulder guards, each consisting of six rows of lacquered plates (*kiritsuke kozane*) bound together with white, brown, and orange cords. The corners feature decorative gold trim adorned with chrysanthemum motifs. The ensemble is embellished with long orange silk cords ending in decorative tassels. - Armguards (kote): *Shino-gote*, consisting of lacquered metal lamellae linked together by Japanese chain mail (*kusari*) and mounted on a green silk backing. - Chest plate (*dô*): *Nuinobe-dô* style, composed of eight horizontal rows of scales (*kiritsuke iyozane*) assembled using *sugake odoshi* lacing. The front features a pair of gold rings, adorned with plum blossom motifs, from which hangs an orange tassel (*agemaki*). At the back is a matching rectangular fastener, fitted with a ring supporting a similar tassel (*agemaki*). Above it is the *gattari* fastener; the corresponding element, the *ukezutsu*, is missing. The scales of the breastplate appear to date from a later period than some of the other components of the armor. Hanging from the breastplate are seven *kusazuri* (protective panels), each composed of five red-lacquered scales of the *kiritsuke kozane* type. - Thigh guards (*haidate*): *Kawara-haidate* type, consisting of four rows of eight rectangular lacquered plates, mounted on matching fabric and edged with blue leather. - Leg guards (*suneate*): *Shino-suneate* style, composed of long vertical gilded metal lamellae connected by Japanese chain mail, mounted on matching smoked leather, with blue leather knee guards (*tateage*). The armor comes with its wooden storage chest (*yoroi'bako*), lacquered red and fitted with handles on the sides for carrying using a pole. Approximate height (with the chest): 160 cm; width: 75 cm; depth: 52 cm. (Signs of wear, minor missing pieces, and chips...)