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Rare set of 2 Japanese suits-of-armour, complete with 2 matching folding screens

$63,317.75per set

£47,320.52per set

€53,000per set

CA$87,350per set

A$95,675.34per set

CHF 50,373.07per set

MX$1,141,853.34per set

NOK 641,959.69per set

SEK 586,847.92per set

DKK 403,973.59per set

About the Item

Important unique set of two suits-of-armour (yoroi), complete with two high six-panel screens, that belong together as is indicated by the used family crests (mon). Two crests are used, both belonging to the Nakagawa family of Oka Castle, Ôita prefecture on Kyûshû. They are: – the Nakagawa-kurusu, a circle depicting a Celtic-like cross through a ring. The cross was originally a Christian symbol but after the ban on Christianity in Japan the use of a hidden cross in family crests could continue. – the Nakagawa-kashiwa, two leaves of the Japanese Emperor Oak turned to each other (dakikashiwa mon). The remarkable aspect of this ensemble is the presence of matching crests on both the yoroi and the accompanying folding screens. The kurusu and kashiwa crests adorning the yoroi are elegantly replicated on the screens, providing compelling evidence that these pieces form a harmonious and unified set. This exceptional cohesion between the armour and screens further enhances their artistic and historical value. After the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) had interfered in the battle between the Lord of Bungo Province Ôtomo Yoshi-mune (1558-1605) and the Shimazu of Hyûga Province, he split the Bungo Province in a number of small fiefs and transferred in 1594 Nakagawa Hideshige (1570-1612) from Miki Castle in the Harima Fief to Oka Castle in Kyûshû. The Nakagawa family stayed in possession of Oka Castle till the abolishment of the military use of castles in 1873. In 1884 the Nakagawa family received the title of Count (a title in use till the abolishment of aristocracy in 1947). After the Nakagawa’s left, the castle and the building soon dilapidated and is now known as Oka Castle Ruins. The castle is located in Taketa Village part of Taketa Town in Ôita Province on Kyûshû. Set of two tall byôbu (folding screens), painted with large red jinmaku (camp enclosure curtain) on a gold leaf ground. The curtains show both crests of the Nakagawa family: one screen depicts two Nakagawa-kurusu crests next to a Nakagawa-kashi crest in the middle, and the other shows the symbols the other way round. Dimensions: Total width 148.66 in/377.6 cm (2 x 25.35 in/64.4 cm, 4 x 24.48 in/62.2 cm); Height 72.63 in/184.5 cm. Period: Japan – Late Edo period (First half 19th century), and maybe even older. Yoroi with Nakagawa-kashiwa crest: A Japanese black lacquered suit-of-armour (yoroi) completely laced with orange cords (kuro’urushinuri hi’ito odoshi nimai’dô’maru). A thirty-two plate suji’bachi kabuto (helmet with raised ridges) with in front a maedate (fore crest) -with traces of gilding- in the shape of flames, resembling a mythical flaming bird flying down. The fukikaeshi (face guards) and the mabizashi (visor) have the Nakagawa-kashiwa crest in gold maki-e lacquer. Five curved ‘itazane’-plate neck guards (shikoro) laced with orange cords. Together with an ‘angry man’-facial mask (resseibô) with a separate nose piece, brown moustache and a four-piece ‘kiritsuke kozane’-plate gorget (yodarekake). The arms (kote) are protected by various black lacquered pieces connected by Japanese mail (kaushi-gusari), of which two shaped like bottle gourds, hence this type of sleeve armour is called hisago’kote (bottle gourd bracer). The elbow’s protective plate is in the shape of a chrysanthemum flower, and the hand guards (tekko) with a flower-emblem in relief. Placed over a blue-green-golden brocade silk with a dragon and flower design. Two-part maru’dô (cuirass) made of a ‘odoshi’-type laced ‘kiritsuke kozane’-plate construction. The front fitted with a cord-ring with a chrysanthemum-shaped backplate. The back equipped with an iron hook (gattari) and leather support for a flag-pole (machi’uke). From the cuirass hangs a 7-parts of 5-piece ‘kiritsuke kozane’-plate kusazuri (tassets). The haidate, ‘shino’-type, constructed with black lacquered metal pieces connected by Japanese mail. The ones oth the bottom shaped like a chrysanthemum flower as well. Placed over ensuite brocade silk mounted with golden silk borders with a plum blossom design. It has flaps to tie around the leg. Brocade silk suneate -that originally had vertical metal strips- protect the lower legs with a very special feature. The leather parts around the inner ankles are decorated with oak leaves that together form the Nakagawa-kashiwa crest. With a square red lacquered store-box for a suit-of armour (yoroi’bako) with iron ‘pole carrying’-handles. Period: Japan – Early/Mid Edo Period (17th/18th century). Height ca. 150 cm. Yoroi with Nakagawa-kurusu crest: A complete Japanese black lacquered suit-of-armour (yoroi) laced with dark blue cords, multi-coloured and orange hems, rare 5-piece yukinoshita-dô and impressive half-moon maedate (kuro’urushinuri kon’ito hi’suso go’mai’yukinoshita’dô tôsei gusoku). A sixty-two plate suji’bachi kabuto (helmet with raised ridges) with in front a large brass half-moon maedate (fore crest). The fukikaeshi (face guards) fitted with gilded appliques in relief depicting the ‘Nakagawa-kurusu’-crest. Orange decorative tassel (agemaki) at the back. Four curved ‘itazane’-plate neck guards (shikoro) laced with en-suite cords. Together with an ‘angry man’-facial mask (resseibô) with a separate nose piece, brown moustache and a four-piece ‘itazane’-plate gorget (yodarekake). Tôsei-type of shoulder guards (sode) constructed with 5 rows of arched ‘itazane’-plates. Tsubo’kote (bracers) with tube-shaped lacquered plates connected by Japanese mail (kaushi-gusari), placed over blue brocade silk with flower design. The elbows covered by a protective plate shaped like a chrysanthemum flower. Dô (cuirass) of the rare ‘yukinoshita’-type with ‘apricot’-shaped kohire (winglets) jutting out from the shoulder boards over the points of the shoulder, protecting them. These kohire are fitted with matching appliques depicting the ‘Nakagawa-kurusu’-crest. Equipped with 8(!)-parts of 5-piece ‘itazane’-plate kusazuri (tassets). Large haidate (thigh armour) of 5-rows of 15 ‘iyo’-plates, over matching silk and decorative ‘smoked leather’ borders with flaps to tie around the leg. Suneate (shin guards), ‘shino’-type, vertical metal plates connected by Japanese mail placed over brown brocade silk with a crimson tateage (knee guards). Including a uncommonly tall brown lacquered store-box for a suit-of armour (yoroi’bako) with arched sides. A side equipped with two rings. These where used to make a rig for the samurai’s attendant to carry this box as a back-pack! The wooden plaque with the opening in between was made to make the load a bit more comfortable. Carved with the character mae 前 (“in front”) in gold. The Kanji “Mae” meaning “the first”; in other words: “I, who has priority above others”. Period: Japan – Late Edo period (Late 18th/early 19th century). Height ca. 170 cm. A marvellous unique set, and highly exceptional that this has stayed together through time in such a condition. Considering their age they are in a very good condition with some restorations and traces of wear conform age. The screens are in a good restored condition with quality gold leaf restorations in front. and matching paper restoration and some wear on the back Both suits with traces of wear conform age, like aging of the brocade of the ‘kashiwa’-yoroi. The collar of the ‘kurusu’-yoroi and the knee guards of the ‘kashiwa’-yoroi refurbished of high quality in an original manner. The yoroi’bako of the ‘kurusu’-yoroi restored. Please look at the photos for a clear condition reference. Provenance: Japan – Bought from an esteemed dealer who has its location situated in close proximity to the Oka Castle ruins, further enhancing the historical origins of this set. We include a wooden stand and an explanation how to put this armour on display. When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity. Due to the delicate nature of the set, custom-made wooden crates will be crafted for its safe transportation, resulting in a slightly extended shipping process time. Kindly get in touch with us so that we can offer you an appropriate shipping quotation, or if you prefer additional detail photos.

Dimensions:
Height: 72.64 in (184.5 cm)Width: 148.67 in (377.6 cm)Depth: 0.71 in (1.8 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 4
Materials and Techniques:
Brocade,Gold Leaf,Iron,Lacquer,Metal,Paint,Paper,Silk,Wood,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Edo period (1600-1868)
Condition:
Repaired. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. As described in the description, and please have a close look at the photos.
Seller Location:
Amsterdam, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 81384 AB1stDibs: LU7165235936322

$11,349

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Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver, Foil, Iron, Metal

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo Period, 18th Century

$26,000

Rare Antique Original high Ranking Edo period Samurai armor Yoroi Japan Daimyō

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

This complete Edo-period samurai armor is an exceptional example of the refined martial elegance and ceremonial grandeur associated with Japan’s warrior aristocracy. Every component reflects a precise harmony of functionality, symbolism, and prestige. At the heart of the set is a superb suji-bachi kabuto, constructed from multiple riveted iron plates arranged with flawless symmetry and enriched by a beautifully aged patina. It is crowned with a gilt tehen no kanamono, and the imposing maedate presents a pair of antler-like blades framing a gilded sun disc an emblem of celestial authority and divine lineage. The Fukigaeshi feature extraordinary gilt dragon ornaments, carved in high relief. Dragons, ancient symbols of protection and power, were reserved for armor of the highest rank, strongly indicating that this set belonged to a Daimyō or high-ranking retainer. The menpō, lacquered in deep black, includes a natural-hair moustache and an articulated jaw (resseibō), lending the face a vivid sense of character. Below it, the shikoro is composed of finely lacquered blue-and-gold plates, meticulously laced with silk. The okegawa ni-mai dō cuirass is finished in a dark brown lacquer and laced in deep indigo silk, complemented by elegant orange ceremonial tassels a hallmark of formal presentation armor. The sode (shoulder guards) retain their rare bear-fur trimming, an expensive and status-laden material symbolizing courage and noble rank. Completing the ensemble are beautifully made kote, haidate, and suneate, each executed with rich fabrics and refined lacquer work. A butterfly mon (chō-mon) appears on the leg guards an elegant symbol of transformation, adding a poetic contrast to the armor’s martial presence. The extensive use of gilding, the rare bear-fur details, and the prominent dragon motifs confirm this as a piece created for the highest echelons of samurai society. It is a masterpiece where ceremonial artistry, symbolism, and authority converge. Artistic and Historical Significance This armor epitomizes the Edo-period ideal, when arms and armor transcended their battlefield origins and became expressions of identity, dignity, and cultural refinement. The interplay of dark lacquer, golden ornamentation, and natural materials embodies the spirit of bushidō discipline, inner strength, and beauty through restraint. Whether displayed in a private collection, gallery, office, or interior setting, this armor commands attention. Its presence transforms any space, making it a truly museum-worthy centerpiece for collectors of Japanese, military, or historical art. The set includes its traditional stand and storage box. As with all antique armor...

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