Armour (3) - Japan - 1700-1750 Mid Edo period
07
days
14
hours
05
minutes
48
seconds
Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 6,400 - € 7,100
 | €100 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €2 | |
 | €1 |
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Signed Myochin Munehisa, this Edo-period (c.1700–1750) suji-bachi iron kabuto with matching iron menpō and a large gilt maedate measures about 45 cm high by 33 cm wide and originates from Japan in very good condition with no stand included.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Signed Myochin School Iron Suji-Bachi Kabuto and Menpō
Edo Period, 18th Century
A powerful and highly atmospheric Japanese samurai suji-bachi kabuto with matching iron menpō and large gilt maedate, signed inside the bowl:
明珍宗久
(Myochin Munehisa) (Attribution is provided for reference only and the signature remains subject to authentication)
The signature attributes the helmet to the celebrated Myochin school, one of the most important and respected lineages of Japanese armour makers. The Myochin armourers were renowned from the Muromachi period onward for their exceptional iron forging techniques and for producing helmets of superior strength, functionality, and aesthetic refinement. Their work was highly prized by samurai families and daimyō throughout Japan, and the school became especially famous for expertly forged iron kabuto distinguished by elegant construction and strong martial character.
The present kabuto is of impressive multi-plate suji-bachi form, forged entirely in iron with numerous narrow standing ribs rising elegantly toward the tehen kanamono. Each plate is densely worked with prominent standing rivets, creating an exceptionally rich and architectural surface. The iron has developed a magnificent deep russet-brown patina over centuries, greatly enhancing the sculptural quality of the helmet.
Particularly striking is the bold gilt maedate mounted to the front of the bowl. Executed in dramatic openwork geometric form surrounding a suspended lozenge-shaped element, the crest gives the kabuto a highly distinctive silhouette and remarkable visual presence. The broad fukigaeshi retain decorative metal roundels which provide an elegant contrast to the austere iron surfaces.
The multi-lame shikoro is finished in dark blue-black odoshi with contrasting golden-orange silk details. The lacing has aged beautifully and harmonises exceptionally well with the warm russet iron tones throughout the piece.
The accompanying iron menpō is exceptionally expressive and finely forged, displaying sharply modelled features with pronounced cheeks, powerful nose, and deeply cut mouth opening. The dark iron surface retains excellent age and character, while the attached yodarekake continues the same refined lacing scheme as the helmet, creating a highly cohesive ensemble.
An especially appealing aspect of this kabuto and menpō is the honest untouched condition throughout. The iron surfaces retain their original character and age-developed patina, qualities highly sought after by collectors of authentic Japanese arms and armour.
A visually commanding and beautifully preserved signed Edo-period samurai kabuto and menpō of outstanding display quality, distinguished by its superb forged iron construction, expressive mask, dramatic gilt maedate, and apparent Myochin-school signature.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Signed Myochin School Iron Suji-Bachi Kabuto and Menpō
Edo Period, 18th Century
A powerful and highly atmospheric Japanese samurai suji-bachi kabuto with matching iron menpō and large gilt maedate, signed inside the bowl:
明珍宗久
(Myochin Munehisa) (Attribution is provided for reference only and the signature remains subject to authentication)
The signature attributes the helmet to the celebrated Myochin school, one of the most important and respected lineages of Japanese armour makers. The Myochin armourers were renowned from the Muromachi period onward for their exceptional iron forging techniques and for producing helmets of superior strength, functionality, and aesthetic refinement. Their work was highly prized by samurai families and daimyō throughout Japan, and the school became especially famous for expertly forged iron kabuto distinguished by elegant construction and strong martial character.
The present kabuto is of impressive multi-plate suji-bachi form, forged entirely in iron with numerous narrow standing ribs rising elegantly toward the tehen kanamono. Each plate is densely worked with prominent standing rivets, creating an exceptionally rich and architectural surface. The iron has developed a magnificent deep russet-brown patina over centuries, greatly enhancing the sculptural quality of the helmet.
Particularly striking is the bold gilt maedate mounted to the front of the bowl. Executed in dramatic openwork geometric form surrounding a suspended lozenge-shaped element, the crest gives the kabuto a highly distinctive silhouette and remarkable visual presence. The broad fukigaeshi retain decorative metal roundels which provide an elegant contrast to the austere iron surfaces.
The multi-lame shikoro is finished in dark blue-black odoshi with contrasting golden-orange silk details. The lacing has aged beautifully and harmonises exceptionally well with the warm russet iron tones throughout the piece.
The accompanying iron menpō is exceptionally expressive and finely forged, displaying sharply modelled features with pronounced cheeks, powerful nose, and deeply cut mouth opening. The dark iron surface retains excellent age and character, while the attached yodarekake continues the same refined lacing scheme as the helmet, creating a highly cohesive ensemble.
An especially appealing aspect of this kabuto and menpō is the honest untouched condition throughout. The iron surfaces retain their original character and age-developed patina, qualities highly sought after by collectors of authentic Japanese arms and armour.
A visually commanding and beautifully preserved signed Edo-period samurai kabuto and menpō of outstanding display quality, distinguished by its superb forged iron construction, expressive mask, dramatic gilt maedate, and apparent Myochin-school signature.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Number of objects
3
Material
Cast iron, Cotton
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Very good condition, see description
Dynastic style/period
Mid Edo period
Height
45 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Width
33 cm
Artist
Myochin Munehisa
Attribution
Original
Sold with stand
No
Estimated period
1700-1750
Sold by
