134 - JAPAN - 18th century

JAPAN - 18th century Samurai armor (gusoku), featuring a *gomai yokohagi okegawa-dô*-style breastplate (composed of five horizontal plates), accompanied by a helmet signed by Myôchin Munetae. The armor features a finish of black lacquer and patinated (brown) iron, with lacing dominated by dark blue, accented with touches of ecru and orange. The set is adorned with finely crafted gilded metal elements, featuring the *hishi-mon* (diamond pattern) associated with the Takeda clan, as well as chrysanthemum (*kiku*) motifs, the imperial symbol of Japan. The helmet (*kabuto*), composed of twenty-four weathered iron plates, has a shallow profile and is topped by a complex five-tiered *tehen kanamono* (crest). The visor (*mabizashi*) is decorated with facing phoenixes (*hô'ô*) rendered in silver inlay and edged with gilded metal trim. The helmet retains its original *maedate* (frontal ornament), made of copper and consisting of two parts, depicting a *ken* (Buddhist ritual sword). It is flanked by *fukigaeshi* (side flaps) folded backward, adorned with the Takeda clan emblem in gilded metal and lined with decorative leather (*e'gawa*). The interior bears the signature: “Myôchin Munetae saku” (“Made by Myôchin Munetae”). The armor also includes a face mask (*ryûbu menpô*) made of patinated iron, featuring a removable nose piece; the open mouth reveals a red lacquered interior, while a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of three *itazane*-style plates completes the set. The *gomai yokohagi okegawa-dô* breastplate is assembled using the *sugake-odoshi* lacing technique and consists of ten panels of *kusazuri* (skirt panels), each made up of five plates, providing protection for the lower body. The breastplate and backplate are adorned with gilded metal elements shaped like chrysanthemums; the one on the back is embellished with a large decorative tassel made of orange silk (*agemaki*). The shoulder guards feature vertical elements from which “apricot leaf” (*gyōyō*) ornaments hang. The armor includes a matching set consisting of *chūsode* (shoulder guards) with six lacquered plates, *kote* (arm guards) made of black iron, *haidate* (thigh guards), *tsubo suneate* (leg guards), and *kōgake* (armored foot covers). Of particular note are the finely executed silver inlays decorating the *kote*, *suneate*, and other elements; they depict stylized dragons and phoenixes emerging from clouds, accompanied by scrollwork motifs. Provenance: Bonhams, “Arts of the Samurai,” New York, October 26, 2022, lot 46 (estimate: $40,000–$50,000). An old label, preserved inside the helmet, identifies Munetae as the 27th master of the Myōchin lineage, one of the most famous families of armorers in Japanese history. Dimensions: Height 160 cm, width 90 cm, depth 45 cm. (Signs of wear ... )