Ashigaru Do - 謎の金を宿す背板2枚組 - Japan
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Pair of Ashigaru Do back plates from feudal Japan, 70 cm high, 35 cm wide, 14 cm deep, weighing about 3.95 kg together, with black surfaces and mysterious gold characters, featuring original lacing and shoulder fittings and dating to the late Edo period with age-related wear.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
A pair of Ashigaru Do (foot soldier armor back plates) featuring mysterious gold-colored characters prominently displayed on black surfaces. These back plates represent an important piece of Japanese military history from the feudal era.
Each do (cuirass back plate) is constructed in the traditional manner with horizontal lacing visible at the bottom edge, including both blue and decorative braided cord work. The pieces retain their original shoulder straps with metal fittings, showing the functional design that allowed samurai retainers to wear these protective pieces in battle.
The front surfaces bear mysterious gold characters that remain undeciphered - possibly Sanskrit Bonji characters used as protective Buddhist talismans, or clan identification marks. Both plates display identical characters, suggesting they belonged to the same military unit. The black finish shows natural aging with areas of wear, surface scratches, and patina formation, all of which authenticate their historical provenance and battlefield use.
These back plates would have been part of the lighter armor worn by ashigaru (foot soldiers) serving feudal lords during the late Edo period (1603-1868). The presence of these enigmatic characters adds to the historical intrigue, possibly representing spiritual protection through Buddhist symbolism or identification with a specific military unit or clan. The lower lacing sections (kusazuri) show both the original construction technique and the practical design that allowed for mobility while providing protection.
Size
Height: 70 cm (each piece)
Width: 35 cm (each piece)
Depth: 14 cm (each piece)
Weight
3,950 g (3.95 kg for both pieces combined)
Condition
The armor shows authentic age-related wear consistent with a potential Edo period artifacts, including surface scratches, finish deterioration, and patina formation. The structural integrity remains sound with original lacing and metal fittings intact.
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
A pair of Ashigaru Do (foot soldier armor back plates) featuring mysterious gold-colored characters prominently displayed on black surfaces. These back plates represent an important piece of Japanese military history from the feudal era.
Each do (cuirass back plate) is constructed in the traditional manner with horizontal lacing visible at the bottom edge, including both blue and decorative braided cord work. The pieces retain their original shoulder straps with metal fittings, showing the functional design that allowed samurai retainers to wear these protective pieces in battle.
The front surfaces bear mysterious gold characters that remain undeciphered - possibly Sanskrit Bonji characters used as protective Buddhist talismans, or clan identification marks. Both plates display identical characters, suggesting they belonged to the same military unit. The black finish shows natural aging with areas of wear, surface scratches, and patina formation, all of which authenticate their historical provenance and battlefield use.
These back plates would have been part of the lighter armor worn by ashigaru (foot soldiers) serving feudal lords during the late Edo period (1603-1868). The presence of these enigmatic characters adds to the historical intrigue, possibly representing spiritual protection through Buddhist symbolism or identification with a specific military unit or clan. The lower lacing sections (kusazuri) show both the original construction technique and the practical design that allowed for mobility while providing protection.
Size
Height: 70 cm (each piece)
Width: 35 cm (each piece)
Depth: 14 cm (each piece)
Weight
3,950 g (3.95 kg for both pieces combined)
Condition
The armor shows authentic age-related wear consistent with a potential Edo period artifacts, including surface scratches, finish deterioration, and patina formation. The structural integrity remains sound with original lacing and metal fittings intact.
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
原産国
Japan
高さ
70 cm
幅
35 cm
作品タイトル
Ashigaru Do - Pair of Back Plates with Mysterious Gold
奥行き
14 cm
コンディション
Fair condition
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