Edo Period Nimai-do Cuirass with Blue Lacing - Japan - Edo Period (1603-1868)

06
days
23
hours
34
minutes
08
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Julien Gauthier
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Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 250 - € 300
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Description from the seller

Item Description
This is an authentic Edo Period Nimai-do (two-piece cuirass) dating from the late 19th century. The set includes the main cuirass body consisting of front and rear plates, and kusazuri (protective skirt plates).
The cuirass features the characteristic two-piece construction with hinges on the left side and fastening hardware on the right, typical of the Tosei Gusoku style that dominated the Edo Period. The armor is adorned with indigo blue odoshi (lacing) throughout, creating an elegant contrast against the reddish-brown lacquered surface. The kusazuri plates demonstrate traditional segmented construction with decorative lacing patterns in the kebiki odoshi technique.
This type of armor represents the transition from purely functional battlefield equipment to ceremonial and decorative pieces during the peaceful Edo Period. While samurai armor became less necessary for actual combat after the Battle of Osaka in 1615, it remained an important symbol of status and family heritage among the warrior class. Such pieces were carefully preserved and displayed during festivals and ceremonial occasions.
The cuirass shows authentic period characteristics including hand-forged metalwork, traditional lacquer finish, and hand-tied lacing. This is an opportunity to acquire a genuine Edo Period armor component.

Size
Height: 70 cm
Width: 33 cm
Depth: 14 cm

Weight
4,250 g / 4.25 kg

Condition
The armor shows significant age-appropriate wear consistent with a genuine Edo Period piece. The interior lacquer has substantial flaking and loss, visible deterioration to the lacing in several areas, and surface patina throughout.



NOITICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Item Description
This is an authentic Edo Period Nimai-do (two-piece cuirass) dating from the late 19th century. The set includes the main cuirass body consisting of front and rear plates, and kusazuri (protective skirt plates).
The cuirass features the characteristic two-piece construction with hinges on the left side and fastening hardware on the right, typical of the Tosei Gusoku style that dominated the Edo Period. The armor is adorned with indigo blue odoshi (lacing) throughout, creating an elegant contrast against the reddish-brown lacquered surface. The kusazuri plates demonstrate traditional segmented construction with decorative lacing patterns in the kebiki odoshi technique.
This type of armor represents the transition from purely functional battlefield equipment to ceremonial and decorative pieces during the peaceful Edo Period. While samurai armor became less necessary for actual combat after the Battle of Osaka in 1615, it remained an important symbol of status and family heritage among the warrior class. Such pieces were carefully preserved and displayed during festivals and ceremonial occasions.
The cuirass shows authentic period characteristics including hand-forged metalwork, traditional lacquer finish, and hand-tied lacing. This is an opportunity to acquire a genuine Edo Period armor component.

Size
Height: 70 cm
Width: 33 cm
Depth: 14 cm

Weight
4,250 g / 4.25 kg

Condition
The armor shows significant age-appropriate wear consistent with a genuine Edo Period piece. The interior lacquer has substantial flaking and loss, visible deterioration to the lacing in several areas, and surface patina throughout.



NOITICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1603-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Height
70 cm
Width
33 cm
Title of artwork
Edo Period Nimai-do Cuirass with Blue Lacing
Depth
14 cm
Condition
Fair condition
JapanVerified
4750
Objects sold
98.99%
protop

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