Antique Early Edo Period Samurai Armor Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-27)
Period: early Edo Period
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor
Kabuto (helmet)
■Helmet bowl: Zunari Kabuto
The Kabuto (兜, helmet) is a protector for the head. When people started using the Kabuto, it was initially designed for practical use. However, the principal purpose of its design has changed with time; Samurais tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic designed Kabutos. According to a theory, these uniquely designed Kabutos were made from the late Muromachi (室町後期, 1467-1573) to the Edo period (江戸, 1603-1868). This type of Kabuto is categorized as the Kawari Kabuto (変わり兜), and a variety of materials were used to create them. For example, animal fur, seashells, plants, and paper were used as materials for decoration.
We believe this Kabuto is categorized as the Zunari Kabuto (頭形兜). It is said that this type of Kabutos were originated in the late Heian period (平安, Heian period lasted from 794 to 1185). Zunari Kabutos are usually made up of five plates glued together, but exceptions are made from a single plate hammered out. This style of Kabutos consisted of a few iron plates and were relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Therefore, Zunari Kabutos were widely used after the Warring States period. At the end of the Muromachi period, when battles grew in scale, and the demand for Zunari Kabutos increased, artisans improved Zunari Kaboutos. In this period, Zunari Kabutos had a more rounded silhouette than straight Hachi (鉢, bowl part of Kabuto) and were thought to have been designed to withstand potent impact weapons such as spears and guns.
■Shikoro (side neck guard):
Iron plates laced with navy blue threads.
■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard):
The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し) is both ends of a Kabuto. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. Family crests are sometimes designed on this part, as seen on this Kabuto. We have not been able to identify the type of this family crest, but it is a kind of geometric pattern that combines circles, triangles, and squares. It is in a relatively good state of preservation, and the gold coloring shines well on the iron plate.
■Menpo (face guard): Hanbō
This type of half mask is called the Hanbō (半頬) and was popular as it was easier to breathe than the full mask covering his nose. The purpose of Menpo was not only to protect Samurai’s face. But also to hide their true faces so that their psychological states were unaffected.
■ Maedate (Front decoration): Dai-no Ji Mon
A Moji Mon (文字紋) is the motif of this Maedatemono (前立物, front decoration). It is a crest that a Japanese letter is designed. It was born from faith and auspiciousness and was widely used because it had a good sense of stability, and the meaning was easy to understand. The Moji Mon of this Maedate is the character “大.” It is pronounced as “Dai” in Japanese, and that is why it is called the Dai-no Ji Mon (大の字紋). We assume this design was incorporated here as a family crest. Family crests represent their families, and they came to play a role as a symbol of authority, especially in Samurai families. In addition, people judged the family’s status by looking at family crests. The Moji Mon Maedate is a functional and beautiful ornament incorporated into the battle attire to express one’s affiliation and family lineage.
Armor
■Dō (cuirass): Tetsu Sabiji Nimai Dō
Nimai Dō is a kind of cuirass for Tousei Gusoku (当世具足, developed armor style). Nimai Dō (二枚胴) was named after the fact that Nimai (二枚) means two plates, and Dō (胴) means torso in Japanese. Instead of using a large number of small lamellar plates called Kozane (小札), this cuirass used large iron plates riveted.
■Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):
Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with navy blue threads. There are places where the cloth is torn. It is presumed that these are due to aging and the damage that this armor got when it was worn in the past.
Small parts
■Kote (armored sleeves):
Intricate iron chain mail with silk.
■Haidate (thigh protection):
The Haidate (佩楯) is a thigh guard. Chain mail is attached to its cloth, and the same designed cloth seems to be used for the Kote and Suneate (about the Suneate, please check the following description). The blue flower pattern is probably the Botan (牡丹, peony) design. Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Its graceful appearance has attracted people since ancient times.
■Suneate (shin guard):
The Kikkou (亀甲, turtle’s shell) pattern is used for the cloth of the Suneate (脛当). It is a continuous geometric pattern connecting regular hexagons up and down. A theory says that this design was brought from China and the Korean Peninsula during the Asuka (飛鳥, 592-710) and Nara (奈良, 710-794) periods. A proverb says turtles live long lives; therefore, turtle and turtle shell patterns represent longevity. In addition, as this continuous hexagonal pattern does not get out of its shape, it is said people wished for eternal prosperity by using this design.
■Gattari (Sashimono holder):
If you focus on the back of this armor, you will find a square-shaped metal frame attached. It is a gear called the Gattari (合当理) that supports the upper part of the Sashimono (指物, a frag or decorative sign installed at the back of armor). And the Uketsutsu (受筒)/ Sashidutsu (指筒) is a tube to store a Sashimono. Samurai warriors judged their sides and enemies on the battlefields by checking the motifs designed for flags. Especially in group battles with infantry, this method was very effective because they could instantly identify affiliations.
Certification: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (No. 2039)
On May 14th 2023, this armor was appraised as a Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, which is the most trusted Japanese armor appraiser in Japan. This association is also known as Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozonkai (日本甲冑武具研究保存会). Tokubestu Kicho Shiryo (特別貴重資料) means special rare article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.
The paper mentions the armor was made in the early Edo period (early-late 17th). You can receive this original authentication paper.
An English translation of the certificate is available on request. We won’t charge any additional fee.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Antique Japanese Armor and Export process】
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【How to make sure the condition】
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【How To Preserve Antique Samurai Armor】
Dryness, humidity, and bad ventilation might deteriorate the condition of antique Samurai armor. The best temperature to preserve Samurai armor is around 20℃ in Celsius, and humidity should be about 60%. Direct sunlight should be avoided. We recommend storing armors in a room with good ventilation. If you like to display them outside the boxes for a prolonged time, we suggest using a glass case in order for dust not to be accumulated easily. In case you don’t use a glass case, please make sure to regularly dust off from the armor by using a soft brush made of delicate cloth or brush for painting.
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