Extraordinary samurai warrior armor, from the Meiji period (1852 - 1912) coming from a private collection in Kanagawa prefecture in Japan.
The armor is in excellent condition, sturdy and very heavy, beautiful in the combinations, immediately you are struck by its special workmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the laces in silk and sand-colored cotton join the relative plates, while the parts in leather and golden damask finishes complete the creation of the builder gunsmith.
The helmet of the type (Koboshi Kuro Bachi) consists of 12 (ken) iron plates, riveted with 48 large protruding nails and arranged in rows of 6.
The (Maedate) has two long stylized brass buffalo horns ( kuwagata) placed on the visor of the kabuto, in the center a sculpture in gilded and stylized wood with a dragon motif stands out on the helmet, this symbol derives from the Shinto culture, linked to the adoration of divinities and natural spirits.
The mask (Mempo) protects the face in its entirety, in embossed iron of the type (ryubu men), with a sweet and serene expression, deriving from the Japanese theatrical culture.
The (Agemaki) come in yellow cotton rope, and fall into 7 tassels on the armor.
The sleeves (Kote) are presented with long rods joined with an iron coat and finished in the golden damask attachment, as well as the leg protectors (Suneate) with his (Tateage) are also in golden damask.
The shoulder pads (Sode) are large in size embellished with long ropes and golden tassels, covered inside with a raw black fabric.
The central structure or cuirass of the type (D? - maru) is presented instead in brown deerskin, divided into 17 sections or plates, joined with silk and cotton laces both on the back and on the front of the armor. The cuirass is in two parts joined by a hinged pin.
The armor is completed by a sand-colored silk belt and a sandalwood chest from the same period.
The relative certificate of origin and authenticity of the Samurai armor in question is issued, accompanied by all the photographs concerning the parts that compose it on photographic paper.
Sergio Schina - Antique dealer
Villa Stampanoni Antiques