Suit of Red Lacquer Japanese Fighting Armor of the Late Edo Period

Early 18th century Chinese Qing period carved Lohan figure in draped robes. Very finely carved heavy dark rosewood. The aged surface patina with tight gra...

Early 20th century Chinese Red Lacquer decorated box. Relief carved top panel of an attendant and scholar. Fine finger joints on the box and lid. Inside top of the lid having Chinese...

19th century, French clock In the Chinoiserie style. An 8 day pendulum movement that bell strikes on the hour and half hour. Chinese porcelain body in the Kang His style by Samson. T...

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Incense Holder / Jardiniere. A substantial incense holder in the Chinese Ming style. Sides and bottom covered in a r...

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo period, 18th century. A complete matching set of lacquered iron work; the cuirass with dragonfly decoration and blue lacing, a Kaga schoo...

Belonging to the period 1603-1867, most likely between the end of 17th and the beginning of 18th Century, this beautiful armour is a 32-plate suji kabuto made of brown-lacquered iron...

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...

Amazing and unique Samuraï armor. End of XIXth century, early XXth century. Nimai do Okegawa gusoku (2 plate with barrel form cuirasse armor). Composed o...