82 - JAPAN—First half of the 19th century

JAPAN—First half of the 19th century Complete set of Japanese *ô-yoroi* (大鎧) armor, coated in gold lacquer and laced with white and green silk cords, embellished with multicolored orange-toned trim (*kin’urushi-nuri iroiro’ito hi’suso maru-dô tôsei gusoku*). - Helmet (*kabuto*): A *suji-bachi kabuto* (helmet with protruding ridges) composed of 32 weathered iron plates, topped with a *maedate* (frontal ornament) made of partially gilded copper, bearing the inscription “Hachiman Daibosatsu ” (Great Bodhisattva Hachiman), the guardian deity of the warrior class. It is flanked by a pair of long *kuwagata* (horn-shaped ornaments) and crowned at the top with a four-tiered copper *tehen no kanamono* (crown piece), engraved with scroll-like plant motifs. The *shikoro* (neck guard) of the *honkozane* type (composed of small slats) consists of four rows and extends into long *fukikaeshi* (side flaps) curved backward; these are covered with patterned smoked leather and feature appliqués bearing the *maruni mokkô mon* (an emblem depicting a quince flower within a circle). - Mask (*menpô*): Of the *ressei-bô* type (ferocious expression), featuring a removable nose, a mustache made of gray horsehair, and gold teeth. It is fitted with a *yodarekake* (neck guard) with two rows of *honkozane* plates, suspended from a smoked leather border. - Throat guard (*nodowa*): Composed of two rows of *honkozane* lamellae, suspended from a smoked leather collar. - Shoulder guards (*sode*): Large *ô-sode*, each consisting of six rows of *honkozane* plates and adorned at the corners with richly decorated chrysanthemum motifs. They are fitted with long orange silk suspension cords and decorative tassels - Arm guards (*kote*): A rare “Yoshitsune”-style model, consisting of large black-lacquered iron plates, reinforced with gilded metal ornamental elements protecting the upper and lower arms. The D-shaped *tekkô* (hand guards), as well as the elbow guards, are adorned with butterfly (*chô*) motifs on a chrysanthemum background, all mounted on patterned cream-colored silk. - Breastplate (*dô*): Of the *maru-dô* type (one-piece breastplate), it consists of rows of gold-lacquered *honkozane* (lamellae), tightly bound together by *kebiki-odoshi* lacing. On the back, a rectangular trim fitted with a ring supports a large decorative *agemaki* knot. *Sendan-no-ita* and *kyûbi-no-ita* plates hang from the shoulders, while eight panels of *kusazuri* (skirt panels), each composed of five arched lamellae, protect the lower body. - Belt (*uwa'obi*): Made of patterned orange silk. - Thigh guards (*haidate*): Composed of five rows of gold-lacquered *honkozane*, mounted on matching silk and edged with smoked leather. - Shin guards (*suneate*): Of the *tsubo-suneate* type, formed of black-lacquered iron plates that conform to the shape of the legs, with wing-shaped upper ends; the entire assembly is mounted on matching silk. - Shoes (*kegutsu*): Fur shoes covered in brown wild boar hide, featuring leather toe caps, patterned orange silk trim, and matching silk laces. Of a more recent period. The armor is accompanied by a large black-lacquered storage chest (*kara'bitsu*), resting on six flared legs. The front features the *maruni mokkô* emblem (*mon*) in gold lacquer, while the back is adorned with the character *mae* 前 (“front”), indicating the direction in which the chest should face. Approximate height (with the chest): 160 cm; width: 75 cm; depth: 52 cm Period: Japan—Late Edo period (first half of the 19th century). (Signs of wear, minor missing pieces...)