Japanese Warrior Armor, Edo Period

This remarkably elegant and exquisitely crafted Edo period Japanese warrior armor is a testament to the samurai's craftsmanship and unique aesthetic. Trimmed with black lacquer (kuro-urushi) and adorned with delicately faded purple cords (murasaki-ito odoshi), it embodies both warrior power and ceremonial elegance. Description of this Japanese warrior armor: Helmet (Kabuto): A twenty-two-lamella sujibachi kabuto, crafted with exemplary precision. Its distinctive "ribbed bowl" shape offers both effective protection and a majestic style. The helmet is embellished with fukikaeshi, adorned with smoked and printed leather, adding a refined decorative touch. Helmet Ornaments: Kuwagata: Deer horns, a symbol of strength and longevity, give the armor an imposing aura. Maedate: A gilded wooden forehead ornament depicting a shishi lion, an emblem of protection and courage, enhances the ensemble with spiritual majesty. Face Mask (Mengu): The resseib mengu depicts an old man's face with expressive features, an open mouth, and a detachable nose. This type of mask, combining protection with symbolism, evokes the warrior's wisdom and experience. Throat Guard (Nodawa): Composed of four articulated pieces, it offers flexible and effective protection for the neck while blending harmoniously into the ensemble. Shoulder Guard (Sode): The seven-piece sode offer robust defense while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. Their large size reflects the importance placed on protection in close combat. Armored Sleeves (Kote): Reinforced with mail, they provide optimal protection for the arms while allowing fluid mobility. A masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship. This Japanese warrior armor goes far beyond its defensive function. It illustrates Japanese martial culture, where aesthetics and symbolism are as important as combat performance. The gilded ornaments, symbolic motifs, and harmony of materials testify to the high rank of the samurai to whom it belonged. Ideal for collectors or history buffs, this historical piece represents a perfect synthesis of art, tradition, and military know-how. It fits equally well into a museum collection as it does into a space showcasing elegance and ancestral Japanese culture. Dimensions and provenance upon request.