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Item Location SAMURAI STORE Tokyo

Item# DJ07
Antique suit of armor mid Edo period w/ Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō Certificate

A stunning antique armor on display at SAMURAI STORE TOKYO 

Antique Samurai Armor – Mid Edo period

Japan Armor Society Tokubetsu Kichō Certified

The Third-Highest Certification Awarded by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society

Mid-Edo Period Samurai Armor with a Helmet Signed Saotome Iechika

This mid-Edo period suit of armor is distinguished by its sixty-two-plate iron helmet bearing the signature “Saotome Iechika” (早乙女家親) at the rear center of the bowl. The signed helmet is a particular point of interest for collectors, combining an identifiable maker’s inscription with the intricate construction of a sixty-two-plate suji-kabuto.

The helmet’s closely spaced raised ribs create a striking architectural profile. Its black lacquer is complemented by gilt copper fittings, including an elaborate six-tiered hachimanza surrounding the opening at the crown. The turned-back helmet flanges bear gilt copper crests depicting three facing butterflies, a motif repeated on the decorative plates at the shoulders.

The iron cuirass is constructed from vertically joined plates and shaped with a pronounced hatomune, or “pigeon-breast,” profile. Its sculpted form and black lacquer finish give the armor a strong, restrained presence, enriched by gold detailing and contrasting textiles.

An expressive iron face mask with detachable nose, a red-lacquered interior, and gilt copper teeth adds to its commanding appearance. Indigo-laced shoulder guards, armored sleeves, thigh defenses, and five-splint shin guards complete the ensemble. The seven-section skirt incorporates black-lacquered hardened leather plates.

A further inscription, “Juzan saku” (寿山作), is painted in red on the rear banner socket, together with a Sanskrit character.

The armor has been certified as Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō (Special Precious Material) by the Japanese Armor and Arms Research and Preservation Society, certificate no. 2486, and dated to the mid-Edo period.

Also Comes With:
Wooden Display stand (new)

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