ABOUT US: At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art. See my other samurai objects clicking on my seller`s name! ITEM: A Fine Japanese Armour (Tōsei Gusoku) Edo Period, 17th–18th Century An armour of arresting and theatrical presence, distinguished above all by its towering helmet and the audacious vertical thrust of its crest. The harness combines deep lustrous black and chestnut lacquer with orange and indigo lacing and broad expanses of gold brocade, resolving into an ensemble of dramatic, almost sculptural force — the equipment of a commander who wished to be recognised at a glance upon the field. The helmet (kabuto) is its most extraordinary feature: a tall, smoothly lacquered bowl of pronounced conical form, rising to a single bold point — a silhouette deliberately exaggerated for presence. Mounted to the front is a remarkable crest (maedate) in the form of a large gilded catfish (namazu), finely modelled with rounded head, engraved pectoral and dorsal fins and barbels, its sinuous body soaring well above the helmet. The motif is an expressive and unusual choice: in Japanese folklore the giant subterranean catfish was held to cause earthquakes, a creature emblematic of irresistible telluric power. Squared turnbacks (fukigaeshi) flank the low peak, and the neck-guard (shikoro) descends in lacquered lames laced in indigo. The face defence (mengu) is a half-mask of black-lacquered iron of vigorous, grimacing expression — brows furrowed, mouth open upon red-lacquered interior and teeth — fitted with a full natural-hair mustache and bound with a padded cloth throat-wrap. The cuirass (dō) is of lamellar construction, the breast worked in close-set lacquered scales (kozane) laced in pale orange (odoshi), the upper register and shoulder-straps faced with gilded plate. The polished black surface is enlivened by regular rows of orange knotwork, and a gilt-edged collar frames the throat. A purple-laced apron of plates (kusazuri) and pendant fringed cords complete the body, the waist wrapped in a deep purple sash. The armour is completed by laced shoulder-guards (sode), arm-defences (kote) of fluted lacquered plates and chainmail mounted upon sumptuous brocade silk woven with dragons amid clouds, and gauntlet-plates protecting the backs of the hands. The thigh-guards (haidate) are faced with hexagonal-patterned padded textile, and the body is dressed throughout in rich gold-ground brocade. A gilt sun-disc device appears on the lower body. The total effect — the soaring helmet and catfish crest, the dragon brocades, the orange-and-indigo lacing against black lacquer — is one of deliberate magnificence, an armour conceived as much for awe as for the battlefield, and superbly suited to commanding display. A samurai armor that will be the central focus of any room where it is placed and that will delight any fan of Japanese art. This exclusive piece is making it an incredible opportunity for any collector of Japanese, war or simply historical art to get their hands on a piece that will attract attention wherever it is displayed, from offices, to private homes, offices or restaurants and will give a regal look to any place. The armour has gilded details that show the quality of the piece. The incredible workmanship accentuates such ornate pieces as the kabuto, the mempo and the Do. The stand to assemble it and the box are included. This armour is sure to delight any collector of Asian art and will be the focal point of any visitor's home, shop or office. There is a very ancient object and there are damaged by time and tears. There is a possibility that parts may have been added later or that restoration occurred. Due to the delicacy of continuous assembly and disassembly, returns are not allowed on old armor.