80 - JAPAN - 20th century

JAPAN - 20th century A complete set of Japanese armor of the *tôsei gusoku* type, lacquered in black and gold. It is adorned with green and orange cords, features a gold and multicolored border (*kuro'urushinuri iroiro'ito kin'suso nimai'dô tôsei gusoku*), and is embellished with a medallion depicting a dragon. • Helmet (*kabuto*): A *boshi'bachi kabuto* composed of 10 plates and adorned with domed rivets. It is topped with a frontal ornament (*maedate*) shaped like a sword (*ken*), flanked by long, stylized horns (*kuwagata*). The top features a five-tiered chrysanthemum-shaped trim (*tehen no kanamono*), complemented by an *agemaki* (a decorative orange silk knot). The neck guard (*shikoro*) consists of two rows of blades (*itazane*) and features wide flanges (*fukikaeshi*) curved backward, lined with red-smoked leather and adorned with chrysanthemum-shaped appliqués. • Mask (*menpô*): *Ressei-bô* type (meaning “furious”), featuring a removable nose, a black mustache, gold-lacquered teeth, and a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of four rows of blades (*kiritsuke kozane*). • Shoulder guards (*sode*): *ô-sode* type (large shoulder guards), consisting of six rows of blades (*itazane*) and embellished with decorative orange silk cords and tassels. • Armguards (*kote*): *Shino-kote* style, composed of long vertical metal strips connected by chain mail (*kusari*), all mounted on a background of embroidered silk with green-gold sheen. • Chest plate (*dô*): *Dangae* style (with an alternating pattern), composed of lacquered plates (*kiritsuke kozane*) atop metal plates (*itazane*) secured by domed rivets. It features a large relief appliqué depicting a sinuous dragon. The ensemble is flanked by a pair of matching decorative knots (*agemaki*), with a third, more imposing knot located on the back. Above the small tassels hang two leaf-shaped elements called *gyôyô* (“apricot leaves”). • Thigh guards (haidate): composed of four rows of *kiritsuke kozane*-style blades, mounted on a matching silk cord and edged with smoked leather. • Shin guards (suneate): *shino*-style, consisting of long metal blades connected by chain mail, mounted on a matching silk lining and featuring gilded *tateage* (knee guards). The armor comes with a square, black-lacquered storage chest (*yoroi'bako*), equipped with handles for carrying it on a pole. The front of the chest is adorned with the character *mae* 前 (“front”) in gold lettering. Height including the chest: approximately 160 cm. (Signs of wear, minor missing pieces, chips, etc.)