81 - JAPAN - Early 20th century

JAPAN - Early 20th century Black lacquered Japanese armor (*tôsei gusoku*), adorned with purplish-blue cords and featuring a multicolored border in shades of orange (*kuro'urushinuri kon'ito gomai'dô tôsei gusoku*). The set includes: • Helmet (*kabuto*): A *suji'bachi kabuto* composed of 10 plates, covered in textured black lacquer and topped with a pair of long metal *kuwagata* (horn-shaped ornaments). The neck guard (*shikoro*), consisting of three rows of blades (*itazane*), extends into wide side flaps (*fukikaeshi*) curved backward, adorned with chrysanthemum-shaped ornaments. • Mask (*menpô*): Of the *ressei-bô* type (depicting an angry face), featuring a removable nose and a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of four rows of blades (*itazane*). • Shoulder guards (*sode*): *ô-sode* style, consisting of six rows of wide blades (*itazane*). • Armguards (*kote*): *Shino-kote* style, consisting of long vertical metal bars connected by chain mail (*kusari*), all mounted on golden-brown silk adorned with plant motifs. • Breastplate (*dô*): *Gomai môgami-dô* type (five-part breastplate), composed of horizontal plates (*itazane*) assembled using *sugake odoshi* lacing. It features a small cord loop on the front and a large decorative knot (*agemaki*) on the back. Protective pieces shaped like “apricot leaves (*gyôyô*), adorned with chrysanthemum motifs, hang from the shoulders. Seven panels of tassets (*kusazuri*), each composed of five plates (*kiritsuke iyozane*), are attached to the base of the breastplate. • Thigh guards (*haidate*): Composed of four rows of eighteen small plates (*kurata*), assembled with lacing on matching silk and edged with smoked leather. • Shin guards (suneate): “Shino”-style, consisting of long metal plates linked by chain mail (kusari) and attached to a matching silk backing. The armor comes with a storage chest (yoroi'bako) with curved sides, bearing traces of red lacquer and equipped with handles for carrying it on a pole. Height including the chest: approximately 160 cm. (Signs of wear, minor missing pieces, restorations, etc.)