Specialists in Fine Japanese Arms and Armour
About I Inventory I Exhibitions I Publications I Contact
About I Inventory I Exhibitions I Publications I Contact
Age: Momoyama-Edo period. 17th century.
Japan: Iron, rawhide, lacquer, silk, copper, gold
Exhibition: LAPADA Fair
Mayfair London. 14th-15th May 2023
Status: Available
During the late 16th century, Japanese armours were required to follow strict construction rules, resulting in a similar appearance. However, combining various styles allowed for personalized looks. It is important to note that only high-status and wealthy Samurai could commission bespoke armours.
The Isei gusoku armour is a unique style that defies conventional norms. It is named “unusual” when translated. The Isei armours do not conform to usual standards. One particular type of Isei armour is based on fish scales called uroko-dô.
This catalogue showcases an exceptional example of armour, renowned for its museum quality.
The armour hosts several outstanding features, which include a magnificent Nanban kabuto (helmet) made from a single piece of iron. The style is influenced by helmets worn by Chinese and Korean warriors. The armour scales are crafted from thick rawhide that has been lacquered black. Most known examples of uroko armours feature scales on the cuirass and sometimes the helmet or shoulder guards. This example is unique in that the scales are featured on the helmet (kabuto), mask (menpo), shoulder guards (sode), cuirass (dô) and apron (haidate). The mask is also unique in that it has been crafted to resemble a scallop. There are raised pimples on the cheeks, armoured sleeves (kote) and shin guards (suneate).
Maker: Myôchin school. Mask signed Myôchin Munekane 明珍宗周 , who was a smith from Edo Yokozuna area born in 1818.
Authenticity:
Accompanied by three certificates Jûyô 特別保存 No.23092611 / 23092612 / 23092613 issued by the Kokusai Nihon Katchū Bugu Shinkō Kyōkai 国際日本甲冑武具振興協会 (International Society for the Promotion of Japanese Armor)
Inventory Number
GUS-011
Age: Momoyama-Edo period. 17th century.
Japan: Iron, rawhide, lacquer, silk, copper, gold
Exhibition: LAPADA Fair. Mayfair London. September 2023
Status: Available
During the late 16th century, Japanese armours were required to follow strict construction rules, resulting in a similar appearance. However, combining various styles allowed for personalized looks. It is important to note that only high-status and wealthy Samurai could commission bespoke armours.
The Isei gusoku armour is a unique style that defies conventional norms. It is named “unusual” when translated. The Isei armours do not conform to usual standards. One particular type of Isei armour is based on fish scales called uroko-dô.
This catalogue showcases an exceptional example of armour, renowned for its museum quality.
The armour hosts several outstanding features, which include a magnificent Nanban kabuto (helmet) made from a single piece of iron. The style is influenced by helmets worn by Chinese and Korean warriors. The armour scales are crafted from thick rawhide that has been lacquered black. Most known examples of uroko armours feature scales on the cuirass and sometimes the helmet or shoulder guards. This example is unique in that the scales are featured on the helmet (kabuto), mask (menpo), shoulder guards (sode), cuirass (dô) and apron (haidate). The mask is also unique in that it has been crafted to resemble a scallop. There are raised pimples on the cheeks, armoured sleeves (kote) and shin guards (suneate).
Maker: Myôchin school. Mask signed Myôchin Munekane 明珍宗周 , who was a smith from Edo Yokozuna area born in 1818.
Authenticity:
Accompanied by three certificates Jûyô 特別保存 No.23092611 / 23092612 / 23092613 issued by the Kokusai Nihon Katchū Bugu Shinkō Kyōkai 国際日本甲冑武具振興協会 (International Society for the Promotion of Japanese Armor)
Inventory Number
GUS-011
