Armour - Japan - 1850-1900 Kamakura period (1185-1333)
03
days
12
hours
31
minutes
57
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 | €61 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €58 | |
| €55 | |
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This original Japanese O-Yoroi samurai display armour, made in Kyoto in the Gogatsu Ningyō style and dated to 1850–1900, is crafted from steel and gold, stands 55 cm tall and comes with its display box.
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Description from the seller
Handcrafted by Kyō-kacchū (京甲冑), it is a prestigious lineage of Kyoto master artisans (hence the name Heian, the ancient name of the city). They are famous for the incredible detail in metal and fabric work, considered among the best armor makers in Japan.
Style called Gogatsu Ningyō (May Doll), dedicated to the May 5 festival, a ceremonial tied to Tango no Sekku, of ancient Chinese tradition. From the Kamakura period (1185-1333) it became a festival for the samurai class. After World War II, in 1948, it became a national holiday to celebrate the traditional symbols associated with boys.
The armor consists of:
- Kabuto (Helmet): Characterized by imposing golden horns (Kuwagata) and a central figure, a dragon, which serves as an amulet. The dragon crowning the helmet represents wisdom and transformation. It was believed to grant the warrior the ability to "see through the confusion of battle."
- Mempo (Mask): The black face mask with white mustaches was meant to instill fear and protect the face.
- Do (Breastplate): Made with gold and burgundy lacing meticulously woven (Odoshi), imitating the metal scales of armor from the Heian or Kamakura periods.
- Hitsu (Box): The armor rests on its black decorated transport box, which also serves as a display stand.
Box size: 34.4 x 44.5 x 36 approximately
Armor height: about 55 cm
Included: workshop signature plaque and illustrated manuals that explain how to assemble the armor and how to preserve it, being materials such as silk and metal, decorated with gold leaves.
Handcrafted by Kyō-kacchū (京甲冑), it is a prestigious lineage of Kyoto master artisans (hence the name Heian, the ancient name of the city). They are famous for the incredible detail in metal and fabric work, considered among the best armor makers in Japan.
Style called Gogatsu Ningyō (May Doll), dedicated to the May 5 festival, a ceremonial tied to Tango no Sekku, of ancient Chinese tradition. From the Kamakura period (1185-1333) it became a festival for the samurai class. After World War II, in 1948, it became a national holiday to celebrate the traditional symbols associated with boys.
The armor consists of:
- Kabuto (Helmet): Characterized by imposing golden horns (Kuwagata) and a central figure, a dragon, which serves as an amulet. The dragon crowning the helmet represents wisdom and transformation. It was believed to grant the warrior the ability to "see through the confusion of battle."
- Mempo (Mask): The black face mask with white mustaches was meant to instill fear and protect the face.
- Do (Breastplate): Made with gold and burgundy lacing meticulously woven (Odoshi), imitating the metal scales of armor from the Heian or Kamakura periods.
- Hitsu (Box): The armor rests on its black decorated transport box, which also serves as a display stand.
Box size: 34.4 x 44.5 x 36 approximately
Armor height: about 55 cm
Included: workshop signature plaque and illustrated manuals that explain how to assemble the armor and how to preserve it, being materials such as silk and metal, decorated with gold leaves.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Material
Gold, Steel
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition, see description
Dynastic style/period
Kamakura period (1185-1333)
Height
55 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Width
36 cm
Depth
34.4 cm
Attribution
Original
Sold with stand
Yes
Estimated period
1850-1900
Sold by
