Lot 187
East Asia, Japan, Showa Era, ca. early 20th century CE. An impressive full suit of Japanese great armor (O-Yoroi), modeled after the medieval forms of the late Heian to Kamakura periods, traditionally worn by mounted samurai archers. This example is constructed with large lamellar plates (o-zane), laced in orange silk cords (akaito odoshi). The armor includes a 16-plate suji bachi helmet, topped with a small gilded crest and gold wash on select areas. The remainder of the helmet and decorative elements feature a modern gold-toned pigment. Flanking the helmet are large fukigaeshi (turnbacks), decorated with textile appliques, and beneath the helmet is a iron menpo (facial mask) with horsehair moustache. See extended description below for more information on included armor. Comes with a custom wooden torso frame placed atop a traditional yoroibitsu (armor storage chest), allowing the suit to stand upright and maintain its form for display. Size of helmet: 19" Diameter x 13" H (48.3 cm x 33 cm); full armor displayed on yoroibitsu box: 18" W x 61" H (45.7 cm x 154.9 cm)
The cuirass consists of a multi-plate do (torso armor), constructed with wide vertical rows of large scales laced together. This armor lacks its sode (shoulder spaulders), which would normally extend protection to the shoulders and upper arms, but retains its armored sleeves (kote) with integrated hand guards (tekko). Beneath the cuirass are kusazuri (tassets) that drape protectively over the hips and upper legs, followed by a silk brocade haidate with thigh plates. Below these are suneate (shin greaves), constructed of lacquered and painted iron splints, bound with lacing and cloth padding. Completing the ensemble are traditional waraji-style footwear featuring fabric-lined fur coverings. In one hand is an iron hachiwari (helmet breaker baton), a short iron weapon with a wrapped red silk cord handle. Not original to the armor, this hachiwari is also modern, but a fitting medieval-era accessory. The kusazuri panels are draped over the yoroibitsu box, with the greaves resting against the sides. This Showa-period set is unsigned (mumei), but offers a carefully constructed homage to classical samurai armor traditions, ideal for collectors, decorators, or historical enthusiasts seeking an iconic symbol of Japanese warrior culture.
Provenance: private Las Vegas, Nevada, USA collection, acquired from Aoi Art, Japan.
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#195201
- Condition: The armor is overall in good displayable condition, but shows expected signs of age, handling, and material degradation typical of vintage / antique armor sets. Areas of fraying, loosening, to silk cords / lacing. Discoloration and fading. Waraji-style footwear shows wear and loss to fur trim. The iron and lacquered metal plates exhibit surface scratches, abrasions, and pigment chipping. Yoroibitsu box has heavy wear. The lid side panels are fragile and very loose. Old insect activity and holes. Chipping and losses to lacquer and wood, and sides are reinforced with cotton cords. The entire ensemble remains visually impressive with good integrity for display.
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