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Lot Essay
The classic style armor, O-yoroi was developed for use in mounted combat during the Heian period (AD794-1185) when the bow was a leading weapon. The large tehen no ana (aperture at the crown of the helmet), although arising from the method of construction using riveted plates, was originally used to fix the helmet on the head by means of the topknot. The large fukigaeshi and o-sode could be presented to the opponent as shields against his arrows, which service was also provided by the two pendant breast pieces. All early armors were composed of rows of hon-kozane (individual scales) laced together with silk braid, and some armors had double layers of such. Several hundred small scales would be used on the cuirass alone, either of hardened leather, iron, or alternating those materials. They were lacquered over in rows, and linked vertically by silk braid. The custom of making armors in classic style for both ceremonial and ritual use dates from the late Muromachi period (1392 - 1604), but was universal among the daimyo (provincial lords) during the Edo period (1604 - 1868). Such ritual armors were very expensive and worn only on certain occasions like the annual passage in and out of the capital city, Edo, but often displayed on festive occasions or dates in respect of ancestors. The custom continued even after the end of the Edo period when armor no longer fulfilled a practical function.
The iron helmet bowl of this armor is a typical example of mid-to-late Kamakura period (13th-14th century) modified by adding a neck guard, turn backs and elaborate metal parts to complete this armor made in the 18th century, most likely commissioned by Kato Yasutake (1745-1768). The helmets made during Kamakura period were very precious and sough-after among daimyo collectors of Edo period (17th-19th century). It is also notable that this helmet bowl has three cut marks presumably caused by edged weapon (sword, naginata or spear) which indicates that this bowl had survived severe battles. This type of cut marks are often described as homare-kizu (cut mark of honor), deeply revered by contemporaries and modern-day collectors.
According to the documents inherited in the Kato Family, this armor used to belong to Kato Yasutake (1745-1768), the seventh-generation daimyo of Ozu clan in Iyo Province. The Kato family, who claimed descent from the Fujiwara no Kamatari in the Asuka period, flourished under the Tokugawa shogun family from the time that Sadaysu (1580- 1623), the first-generation daimyo of the Kato Family, sided with Tokugawa leyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Sadayasu received the field of Iyo Province (Ehime Prefecture) in 1617, and the clan held throughout the Edo period through various changes in fortune, but always prominent in military and political activities.
The iron helmet bowl of this armor is a typical example of mid-to-late Kamakura period (13th-14th century) modified by adding a neck guard, turn backs and elaborate metal parts to complete this armor made in the 18th century, most likely commissioned by Kato Yasutake (1745-1768). The helmets made during Kamakura period were very precious and sough-after among daimyo collectors of Edo period (17th-19th century). It is also notable that this helmet bowl has three cut marks presumably caused by edged weapon (sword, naginata or spear) which indicates that this bowl had survived severe battles. This type of cut marks are often described as homare-kizu (cut mark of honor), deeply revered by contemporaries and modern-day collectors.
According to the documents inherited in the Kato Family, this armor used to belong to Kato Yasutake (1745-1768), the seventh-generation daimyo of Ozu clan in Iyo Province. The Kato family, who claimed descent from the Fujiwara no Kamatari in the Asuka period, flourished under the Tokugawa shogun family from the time that Sadaysu (1580- 1623), the first-generation daimyo of the Kato Family, sided with Tokugawa leyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Sadayasu received the field of Iyo Province (Ehime Prefecture) in 1617, and the clan held throughout the Edo period through various changes in fortune, but always prominent in military and political activities.