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: Samurai Armor (Gusoku) — Black Lacquer, Navy-Blue (Kon) Lacing Mid-Edo Period (江戸時代中期) A complete suit of samurai armor (gusoku) in black lacquer, with a dō (cuirass) built from small riveted plates arranged in horizontal rows and laced in navy-blue (kon-ito) cord. Kabuto (helmet) a smooth black-lacquered bowl fitted with a small oval silver-toned disc at the front, topped by a tall pair of curved black-lacquered fukigaeshiwakidate with red-lacquered interiors, horn- or wing-shaped in profile, attached to the bowl with several rows of navy-blue cord. Menpo (facial armor) lacquered in a deep mahoganyreddish-brown tone, with expressive carved features — pronounced wrinkles and an open mouth — and a natural blond-hair mustache, secured with cream-colored leather straps. Completed by a lacquered throat guard (yodare-kake) laced in navy blue across several tiers. Dō (cuirass) small riveted plates arranged in rows, lacquered in blackdark brown, laced in navy-blue cord along the top edge, with a gilt metal fitting engraved with a floral motif on the chest. Restoration note old lacquer (urushi) repairs are visible at the join between the dō and the uppermost lames of the kusazuri. This is a minor detail, consistent with the piece's historical use and maintenance, and does not affect its structure. Kusazuri (tassets) articulated plates laced in navy blue, decorated with a gold-lacquer wave (nami) motif on a black ground, and finished along the lower edge with olive-green fringe. Sode (shoulder guards) covered in gold brocaded silk with a floral pattern. Kote (sleeves) chainmail (kusari) over gold brocaded fabric, with dark-lacquered fist covers (tekko) and small floral metal fittings. Accessories a Buddhist prayer bead strand (juzu) in dark wood hangs from the front of the dō — an item many samurai carried into battle for spiritual protection and as an expression of faith, invoking deities such as Fudō Myōō or Kannon, and also serving as a reminder of one's own mortality, a theme deeply embedded in bushido. Beside it, secured at the waist, hangs a lacquered gourd-shaped flask (hyōtan) with a gilt stopper and red-lacquered cap a practical item — meant for carrying water or sake on campaign — that in Japanese culture also carried strong associations with good fortune and protection. The best-known example is Toyotomi Hideyoshi's personal battle standard, the Sennari-byōtan (thousand-gourd standard), to which he added a gourd for every victory. Beyond their practical function, both elements add a layer of the samurai's everyday life and devotion while on campaign. 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.