Complete Japanese Samurai Armor – Edo Period
Complete Japanese armor (tōsei gusoku), Mid Edo-period, featuring a momonari kabuto and a crescent-moon maedate.
A highly striking, well-matched suit with a consistent palette and material language: deep dark lacquer surfaces and navy lacing (odoshi), with fittings that remain crisp and visually coherent. The armor is presented in excellent condition, with lively lacquer, strong and stable lacing, and well-preserved components throughout, resulting in a complete and harmonious ensemble.
The kabuto is a momonari type (peach-inspired form), lacquered in a dark brown tone, with a tall, defined profile. Its build reads as a low-plate construction, typical of restrained, functional helmet forms, and it is crowned by a large gilt crescent-moon maedate, which strongly defines the silhouette. The shikoro is laced in dark navy with an even, well-set hang and uniform spacing.
The mempō (face mask), in dark-lacquered iron, features an expressive visage with a realistic moustache, open mouth, and visible teeth, paired with a laminar yodare-kake laced in matching blue, seamlessly integrated with the rest of the suit.
The dō is an okegawa-dō cuirass of horizontal lames in glossy black lacquer, with a strong presence and reflective finish. A small blue cloth/felt pouch remains mounted at the front, secured with a cord and button—an authentic functional detail that adds personality and period character. The back displays a clear, well-resolved flag holder.
The kote retain a rich chainmail structure with reinforcements, and the tekko (gauntlets) preserve their relief work well. Lower defenses include haidate and shino-type suneate, with kikkō-pattern knee guards, all in notably consistent preservation.
The suit comes with its storage box, dark lacquered with iron mounts and a gilt floral-style mon, showing natural patina and honest wear consistent with long-term period storage.
