91 - AN IMPORTANT NAKAGAWA CLAN ENSEMBLE OF TWO SUITS OF ARMOR (GUSOKU) WITH A MATCHING PAIR OF SIX-PANEL 'JINMAKU' BYOBU

AN IMPORTANT NAKAGAWA CLAN ENSEMBLE OF TWO SUITS OF ARMOR (GUSOKU) WITH A MATCHING PAIR OF SIX-PANEL 'JINMAKU' BYOBU Japan, Edo period (1615-1868) An exceptionally rare and remarkably coherent ensemble comprising two suits of samurai armor and a matching pair of monumental six-panel folding screens, united by the distinctive heraldry of the Nakagawa family, rulers of Oka Domain in Bungo Province, present-day Oita Prefecture. Of particular importance is the repeated appearance of the family's two principal crests: the Nakagawa-kashiwa mon, formed of paired oak leaves, and the distinctive cross-derived Nakagawa-kurusu mon. Both crests are prominently displayed across the armors and repeated on the monumental red jinmaku (military enclosure curtains) painted on the screens, forming an extraordinary ensemble of matching clan regalia. The earlier suit, dated to the 17th-18th century, comprises a black-lacquered iron nimai-do gusoku (two-piece cuirass armor), predominantly laced in yellow and mounted on blue-green and gold brocade with dragon and floral designs. Distinguished by the Nakagawa-kashiwa mon, the armor comprises: Kabuto (Helmet): A 32-plate black-lacquered iron sujibachi kabuto with a smoothly rounded bowl divided by raised ridges, topped by a six-stage mixed-metal kiku-form tehen kanamono, the mabisashi of typical form, applied with so-fukurin and surmounted by a gilt-metal maedate in the form of flames, flanked by gently upturned fukigaeshi, the mabisashi and fukigaeshi decorated in gold maki-e with the Nakagawa-kashiwa mon, all above the five-lame black-lacquered iron jikoro. Menpo (Mask): A black-lacquered iron ressei menpo with a removable nose plate secured by turning pins, pierced nostrils, and an open mouth, partially obscured by a stiff brown hair moustache and a small pointed chin beard, finely modeled with deeply embossed wrinkles, the chin with ase-nagashi and the cheeks with bent anchoring posts, all above a four-lame black-lacquered iron yodarekake. Do (Chest Plate): An orange-laced black-lacquered nimai-do with seven sections of five-lame kusazuri, the front fitted with a gilt-metal agemaki-no-kan on a kiku-form fitting, the reverse fitted with gattari and machi-uke for a sashimono pole. Haidate (Thigh Guard): A pair of black-lacquered iron and kusari (chain mail) haidate, applied with decorative metal fittings, some in the form of kiku blossoms. Kote (Armored Sleeves) and Tekko (Gauntlets): A pair of black-lacquered iron and kusari (chain mail) kote, applied with hyotan-gane (gourd-shaped plates) and kiku-form elbow guards. The tekko applied with sakura (cherry blossom) fittings. Suneate (Shin Guards): A pair of brocade-covered suneate, the lower leather sections decorated with oak leaves forming the Nakagawa-kashiwa mon. The second suit, dated to the late 18th-early 19th century, comprises a black-lacquered iron gomai yukinoshita-do gusoku (five-piece Yukinoshita-type cuirass armor), predominantly laced in dark blue with multicolored and orange hems, mounted on blue brocade with gold floral and foliate designs. Ink, pigments, and gold leaf on paper. Mounted on silk brocade on six black-lacquered wood panels. SIZE 185.5 x 377.2 cm (each screen) Provenance: From a Dutch collection. By repute, acquired in Japan from a dealer located in close proximity to the Oka Castle ruins, Taketa, Oita Prefecture, the former seat of the Nakagawa family. Condition: Exceptionally good condition overall, particularly considering the age and extensive nature of the ensemble. The armors are remarkably well preserved, with minor wear, age cracks, occasional scratches, small losses to lacquer, and some wear to the metal fittings, lacing, and textiles. With restorations and refurbishments carried out over time, in keeping with the Japanese tradition of carefully maintaining and preserving treasured suits of armor. The screens are likewise in very good condition, with vibrant colors and lustrous gold leaf, showing minor wear, soiling, and occasional flaking, as well as careful restorations and paper reinforcements. The entire ensemble presents exceptionally well. Each armor is accompanied by a stand and storage box (yoroibako). Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.