A Gold-Lacquer Suit of Armor with Orange Lacing
A Gold-Lacquer Suit of Armor with Orange Lacing

EDO PERIOD (18TH-19TH CENTURY), THE HELMET SIGNED GITSU

Details
A Gold-Lacquer Suit of Armor with Orange Lacing
Edo period (18th-19th century), the helmet signed Gitsu
The armor constructed of honkozane (true scales) lacquered gold, laced in bright orange and mounted with gilt-copper hardware, comprising a sixty-two-plate iron suji-bachi mounted on the top with a nine-stage tehen kanamono pierce-carved with chrysanthemum scroll and lotus leaves, the rear of the helmet bowl mounted with an ornamental cord ring carved as a phoenix, the turnbacks and helmet peak covered in stenciled leather, the turnbacks applied with gilt-copper family crests carved with cherry blossoms, the forecrest a gold and shakudo rain dragon holding a sacred jewel, the kuwagata dai carved with chrysanthemums and waves with silver-inlaid highlights, the kuwagata pierced with cloud patterns, the helmet fitted with a wide manju-style three-lame neck guard; the iron menpo (face mask) applied with moustache and fitted with a two-lame throat guard, the mask inscribed in red lacquer Myochin Deun... Mune saku and with apocryphal date; the two-plate cuirass applied with gilt leather on the interior and with inscription stating the cuirass was restored in 1833 and was formerly in the collection of the Nakamura family of Hiyoshi Shrine, signed Sukekata and with kao, the muna ita (top section of cuirass) lacquered nashiji and applied with gilt-copper paulownia crests, the cuirass fitted with seven sections of five-lame tassets fitted on the bottom lame with gilt-copper phoenix ornaments on the corners, the cuirass fitted with three-lame shoulder guards and gyoyo (cord protectors on the cuirass); the large o-sode shoulder guards with stenciled leather on the top edge and mounted with hardware matching the tassets; sleeves of chain mail with iron plates on the forearms applied with gilt-copper cherry blossoms, wave patterns and chevrons; the thigh guards of small iron scales lacquered black; the shin guards of iron plates decorated to match the sleeves; wood storage box
Sale room notice
This lot includes one wood storage box and not two as stated in the catalogue.

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Lot Essay

Previously sold in these Rooms, 22 September, 2005, lot 210

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