Armour - Japan - 1750-1800, 1700-1750 Mid Edo period

Tetsu Kuro Urushi Nuri Gomaidō Gusoku 鉄黒漆塗五枚胴具足

Iron black lacquered armor with a 5 sections cuirass

1720-1790 Edo period , origin Japan .

This Sendai Japanese armor is a typical iron armor originates from the Sendai feudal domain , located in the

Tohoku region of northeastern Honshu island in Japan .

It was popularized by the powerful Samurai Date Masamune surnomé le dragon d' Oshu 奥州の独眼竜 - Ōshū no Dokuganryū.

He equipped his army with very thick and strong armor called Yukinoshita, featuring large plates with few

lacings to protect against Tanegashima firearms balls.

Later in the Edo period this type of new Sendai armor was created , using more lacing, strong but lighter and

offering greater mobility .

Components of this suit of Samurai armor :

The KABUTO, a suji-bachi was made in iron with 18 plates. Then the hachi was lacquered in black.
The shikoro protecting the neck and the fukigaeshi were first black lacquered and then gilded certainly a
special commission at high cost and showing the taste of the owner .
The shikoro with blue silk lacings odoshi in sugake odoshi technique, a Typical Sendai kabuto .

The MAEDATE , frontal ornement and/or is a crescent moon-shaped .It was crafted from wood, black laquered and finally gilded. This maedate moon-shaped was comonly used by the Sendai clans.

The MENPO , an iron black-laquered menpo of the noble Ryubu-men style, featuring a red-lacquered interior, a detachable nose piece and an open mouth.The yodare-kake protecting the front part of the neck is composed of 3 iron plates black lacquered and laced in blue silk, in sugake technique . Its construction and specific shape is a characteristic od the mask used by the Sendai clans .

The DO , a rare Sendai-do also called Oshu-do is characteristic of the Sendai clans or his retainers.
An iron black lacquered go-maido slighty brownish, a 5 sections in the Sendai style,interconnected by hinges.
The interior of the plastron features protective brown nerikawa/leather designed to protect the body during movement and ensure better comfort .
The kusazuri suspended plates are arranged in 8 sections of 5 iron plates, laced with blue silk odoshi using the sugake odoshi technique .

The SODE , a pair of sode protecting the shoulders . Complete and equipped with kohaze designed to attach directly to the armor. Each sode is composed of 6 plates made in iron then black lacquered .
Lacing with blue silk odoshi in sugake technique .

The KOTE , a pair of kote made with iron then black lacquered .
Armored sleeves protecting the arms featuring plates linked by kusari / chainmails laced with blue silk .
Also typical of the Kote used by the Sendai Samurai clans .

The HAIDATE ,a pair of haidate thigh guards certainly a replacement piece. This haidate is composed of rows of iron plates joined with kusari/chainmails each plate was black lacquered the gilded at high cost .
The plates are stiched on a heavy fabric backing in good condition .

The SUNEATE ,a pair of suneate composed of iron plates protecting the ankles.
The suenate are made in iron ,black laquered then gilded .
The suneate components feature an exterior of fine silk brocade and the reverse side is lined with hemp to ensure breathability and durability .

THe GUSOKU-BITSU , box of the armor for storage and transport.
Size 39 cm / 52 cm / 36 cm
Rectangular in shape ,made from paulownia wood then lacquered and with iron parts .


This complete armor from Sendai Tohoku region made around 1720-1790 showcases a rare Yukinoshita -

Oshu-do- five-sections cuirass (Gomaidō) with a perfect menpo and maedate , seamlessly pairing robust

practical protection with gilded parts ,the visual prestige associated with the retainers of Date Masamune.

Good patina and general condition, 18 kg for an Art item of more 200 years old ,handle with care.

A vivid testimony to the legacy of the Samurai, an authentic and historic piece deserves the highest care

within your private collection .
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This complete armor and its history include free shipping .

Naturally, any custom duties are the responsability of the buyer.