This remarkable object upholds to the very highest standard of Japanese armour craftsmanship. Made of gilded ‘iyozane’ scales and laced with delicate, thin stenciled doe skin with tiny cherry blossom patterns.

The russet iron helmet is made in ‘momonari’ (peach form) with silver ‘maedate’ (fore crest) in the shape of an ‘inome’ (boar’s eye) signed ‘勝珉’ (Shomin). It is flanked on both sides with lacquer deer antlers. The ‘mabisashi’ (peak) and ‘fukigaeshi’ (turn backs) are trimmed with copper and chrysanthemum heraldry. The ‘shikoro’ (neck guard) is in ‘hineno’ (close fitting) style, composed of four lames of ‘iyozane’. The russet iron ‘menpo’ is made in ‘ressei’ (fierce) style with three lame throat guard.

The two piece cuirasse is mounted with tiny carved gilded copper fittings and trim. Hinged ‘gyoyo’ with chrysanthemum heraldry protect the shoulder straps. The ‘kusazuri’ (skirt) is divided into six sections, each of four lames. The ‘sode’ (shoulder guards) are each made of six lames of doeskin laced ‘iyozane’ scales. The ‘kote’ (sleeves) and ‘suneate’ (shin guards) are made of black lacquered iron in ‘shino’ style connected with chainmail. The ‘haidate’ (thigh guards) are made in ‘kawara’ (overlapping roof tile)style. All are lined with floral patterned orange silk, silk trim and stenciled doeskin.

The ‘wakizashi’ (short sword) has a red lacquered saya (scabbard) and ray skin wrapped handle. The ‘gunsen’ (folding war fan) is made of gilded paper and painted red rising sun. The russet iron covers are decorated with silver cherry blossom overlay. Interestingly, this armour comes with an extra ‘haidate’ in ‘karura’ (Japanese playing card) style, lined with the same orange silk fabric. Animal hair boots complete this remarkable little armour.

Housed in two original custom made boxes, with extra lacquered storage box for the entire set.

Height: 51cms

Meiji period, dated 1896