Yoroi Full Samurai armor Gusoku - Silk, Copper, iron - Japan - Mid Edo period

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ITEM:

具足 — Nimai-dō Gusoku, Mid Edo Period

Complete set of authentic samurai armor, a nimai-dō gusoku from the Edo period. This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity issued by the Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozonkai, the Japanese Society for the Research and Preservation of Armor and Weaponry, classified as Especially Valuable Material, number 2300, dated May 11, 2025.

The Helmet
The bachi is of the koboshi type, the multi-plate riveted bowl variant fitted with small conical rivets arranged in tightly packed vertical rows. This is the most labor-intensive construction technique among Japanese laminar helmets, and for that reason the most highly regarded by collectors and scholars. The fukikaeshi retain their original black lacquer on the exterior and their original vermilion lacquer on the interior, a detail that confirms the quality of the original piece, since the interior is rarely restored and therefore certifies period-original lacquer. Rising from the crown is a V-shaped maedate woven in gold fiber, striking in presence. Both fukikaeshi bear a five-petaled floral mon applied in gold over black lacquer. The shikoro descends in stepped lamellar tiers with the same indigo-blue odoshi lacing found throughout the set.

The Mask
The menpo covers the lower part of the face in dark lacquer, with pronounced anatomical modeling across the cheekbones and chin that lends the piece real expressiveness. It features an applied mustache of natural horsehair and a vermilion-lacquered lower lip, a distinguishing feature of high-grade menpo from this period.

The Cuirass
The dō is built from horizontal black-lacquered plates joined by azemezuri stitching over indigo-blue sugake odoshi lacing. This is a spaced lacing system characteristic of utilitarian Edo-period armor, lighter than the dense lacing of earlier periods, designed for armor intended for actual use rather than purely ceremonial display. The sides incorporate chainmail reinforcement fitted with riveted floral plates, a hybrid solution combining rigid plate construction with the flexibility of mail.

The Sleeves and Shoulder Guards
The kote protect the arm with chainmail reinforced by riveted metal plates arranged along the length of the sleeve, covering from shoulder to wrist without sacrificing mobility. The sode, the rectangular shoulder guards, combine lacquered lamellae with mail panels, their edges trimmed in tanned leather in green and ochre tones.

The Tassets
The kusazuri descend in lacquered lamellae with the same indigo-blue odoshi lacing as the rest of the set, finished with pleated fabric in a blue-green shade.

Condition
The original lacquer survives across the vast majority of surfaces, with wear concentrated in the areas of greatest friction, such as the underarms and the lower edge of the cuirass, a detail that confirms the piece's genuine historical use. There are no invasive restorations. The armor is accompanied by its original Japanese certificate of authenticity, a document that supports and confirms each of the features described above.

A samurai armor that will be the central focus of any room where it is placed and that will delight any fan of Japanese art. This exclusive piece is making it an incredible opportunity for any collector of Japanese, war or simply historical art to get their hands on a piece that will attract attention wherever it is displayed, from offices, to private homes, offices or restaurants and will give a regal look to any place. The armour has gilded details that show the quality of the piece. The incredible workmanship accentuates such ornate pieces as the kabuto, the mempo and the Do. The stand to assemble it and the box are included. This armour is sure to delight any collector of Asian art and will be the focal point of any visitor's home, shop or office. There is a very ancient object and there are damaged by time and tears. There is a possibility that parts may have been added later or that restoration occurred. Due to the delicacy of continuous assembly and disassembly, returns are not allowed on old armor.