Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Julien Gauthier

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. We strongly recommend checking with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying. Prompt payment of these fees ensures timely delivery.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). Upon request, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx for an additional fee. 
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately before leaving a negative review. We kindly ask for your patience and the opportunity to rectify the issue. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This is a pair of shoulder guards (tōsei sode 当世袖) from the ealry 20th century, traditionally used to protect the shoulders and upper arms as part of a samurai’s armour. The tōsei sode evolved from the larger ōsode, offering a lighter, more mobile design suitable for close combat. By the Meiji period, these components continued as part of ceremonial and display armour, reflecting the enduring martial heritage of the samurai.

The guards are constructed from iron plates, laced with navy blue cords. The reverse sides are lined with decorative silk brocade fabric featuring phoenixes, symbolising rebirth and auspiciousness, along with interlocking circles representing harmony and interconnectedness. The design also includes bamboo, a symbol of resilience and uprightness; plum blossoms, signifying perseverance and renewal; and hexagonal patterns, which suggest longevity.

There are signs of age and use, including scuffs, chips and flaking, wear to the lacing, and soiling. Please examine the photos closely for details on condition.

An attractive example of Japanese craftsmanship, ideal for collectors or as authentic parts for restoration.

Dimensions of a Sode: approx. H 22 cm W 22 cm D 2 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. 
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!


Metal

Sode - Japan - Samurai Armour Shoulder Guards Pair (tōsei sode 当世袖) - 20th century

Japanese Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

Buy now

Closing date

Wednesday

Sunday

29 May

Monday

Thursday

30 May

31 May

tomorrow

Tuesday

Budget

From

Location

Japan

The Netherlands

Italy

Hong Kong

France

Germany

Belgium

Andorra

Malta

Spain

United Kingdom

Taiwan

Poland

Sweden

Austria

Monaco

Portugal

Romania

Switzerland

Luxembourg

United States

Size

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

XS (under 10 cm)

XXL (over 160 cm)

L (80–120 cm)

XL (120–160 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Asian art and objects

Woodblock print

Vase

Katana

Asian prints paintings and scrolls

Print

Hanging scroll (Kakejiku)

Tsuba

Asian ceramics glass and metalwork

Okimono

Sculpture

Tea bowl

Asian furniture and folding screens

Noh mask

Netsuke

Kokeshi doll

Statue

Chawan

Kimono

Natsume

Sword

Plate

Painting

Country of origin

South Korea

Netherlands

Asia

China

India

Singapore

Material

Wood

Ceramic

Porcelain

Bronze

Paper

Stoneware

Silk

Lacquer

Copper

Pottery

Gold

Bamboo

Ivory

Enamel

Iron (cast/wrought)

Clay

Iron

Patinated bronze

Glass

Alloy

Steel

Gold leaf

Earthenware

Cotton

Condition

Good condition

Excellent condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Fair condition

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Fair

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

As new - unused

Very good

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Good

Fair condition, see description

Reasonable condition, see description

Very good +

Excellent

Very good condition, see description

Needs restoration

Reasonable

Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing

Good condition, see description

Good condition, visible signs of wear

Mint

Mixed / Multiple

Extras

No extra's

Slipcase

Without original box

Signed

Tipped in plates

unboxed

without manual without box

Period

Edo Period (1600-1868)

Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Meiji period (1868-1912)

1980-1990

1970-1980

19th century

1990-2000

20th century

1960-1970

1850-1900

Late Edo period

1950-1960

2020+

1930-1940

Heisei period (1989-present)

2000-2010

2010-2020

Muromachi period (1333-1573)

1940-1950

1920-1930

1800-1850

1900-1910

1910-1920

Reiwa period (2019 - present)

Taishō period (1912-1926)

Subject

Animals

Nude

Nature

Landscape

Mythology

Portrait

Plants and flowers

Religion

Spring scene

Cityscape

Winter scene

Seascape

Day scene

Asian art

Military

Architecture

Pop Culture

Japanese Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Sode - Japan - Samurai Armour Shoulder Guards Pair (tōsei sode 当世袖) - 20th century

Popular in Japanese Art

1667 objects

Related collections