Samurai Armor, Tachidò Tòsei Gusoku Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868)

Samurai armor, TachidÒ tÒsei Gusoku
Japan, Edo period (1603-1868)
Natural iron, lacquer, horsehair, silk and cord

Kabuto in crusty black lacquered iron, in the shape of a court headdress (eboshi), decorated with a gilded moon-shaped mon. The visor (mabizashi) has a gold border. The small lacquered iron ears (fukigaeshi) feature a crown of golden leaves.
The round, gold-lacquered maedate features calligraphy in red letters.
The five-slat neck cover (shikoro), in lacquered iron, is gilded and red with gold diamonds. The interior is lined with its own fabric.

The half-mask (mempo) is in lacquered iron with a horsehair moustache and goatee. The lips and interior are lacquered red.

The shoulder pads (sode) have five slats. The two-part breastplate (dÒ) is made of lacquered iron with riveted lamellae. The skirt (Kuzazuri) has six lamellar panels. The sleeves (kote) are of the oda gote type, in which the metal parts are then lacquered and assembled with chain mail. Thigh protectors (haidate) and leggings (suneate) follow.
The armor box (gusoku bitsu) is made of lacquered wood, with a domed shape and a lacquered mon on two sides.

On the back, a silk banner holder and banner (shashimono) with calligraphy.

The whole is in good condition, with minor lacquering and crazing.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP3229