Antique Late Edo Period Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-60)
Period: Late Edo period (1801-1844)
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on March 15th, 2026.
We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months.
Kabuto (helmet)
Prime Material: Iron
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; Samurai 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 (1467-1573) period to the Edo (江戸, 1603-1868) period. 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. This Kabuto has a unique design, which looks like the Eboshi (烏帽子, headgear worn by nobles in court dress).
*Please keep in mind that there are a few areas where you see some scratches on the surface of the lacquer as well as light cracks due to its age.
■Shikoro (side neck guard):
■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard): Tomoe Mon
The Fukikaeshi (吹き返し) is both ends of a helmet. It protects the face from swords. The motif of this Fukikaeshi is a family crest called Tomoe Mon (巴紋, Tomoe pattern). There are several theories about the origin of this design. According to an idea, it was modeled on the shape of Magatama (勾玉, comma-shaped bead), or it was based on the swirling of flowing water. The Tomoe pattern represents water, so people treated it as a talisman to prevent fire. It was often applied to the roof tiles of shrines. The design of two Magatama-shaped commas is called Futatsu-Tomoe (二つ巴), and the pattern with three commas is called Mitsu-Domoe (三つ巴). This motif also has been used for family crests.
■Menpo (face guard): Ressei Menpo
This type of Menpo is called the Ressei Menpo (烈勢面頬). It represents the angry face to intimidate enemies. There are many types of Menpo, depending on their shape or appearance. 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. Long beards are attached to this Menpo. Thanks to this effect, even a young soldier would have been able to produce the majestic appearance of a middle-aged Samurai.
■Maedate (Front decoration): Shishi, a mythological lion-like creature
This kabuto is fitted with a maedatemono (前立物, front ornament), an element traditionally used to dignify the helmet and enhance its visual presence. At the center of the maedatemono is a Shikami (獅子噛 or 魅) motif. The Shikami depicts the fierce visage of a shishi, a mythological lion-like creature imbued with demonic power, and was widely employed as a protective and intimidating symbol. This motif was among the most popular designs in samurai helmets and armor, embodying strength, authority, and the power to ward off evil.
Armor
■Do (cuirass): Tatehagi Nimai Dō (縦矧二枚胴)
The Nimai Dō (二枚胴) is a type of cuirass used in Tōsei Gusoku (当世具足, “modern armor” developed during the Sengoku period). The term Nimai (二枚) means “two plates,” while Dō (胴) refers to the torso; hence, this cuirass is named for its two-piece construction. Unlike earlier armors made primarily from numerous small lamellar plates (kozane, 小札), this style uses larger iron plates to provide stronger and more practical protection.
In particular, this example is a Tatehagi Nimai Dō (縦矧二枚胴), meaning it is constructed by vertically joining plate sections (itazane, 板札). This vertical plate construction enhances durability while maintaining a relatively streamlined and functional design, reflecting the practical needs of warfare during the Sengoku period.
■Wadakami (shoulder straps that connect the back of the cuirass to the front chest plate using cords)
The metal plates attached to the upper shoulders of this armor are decorated with autumn grasses. Among these motifs is the star-shaped bellflower (kikyō, 桔梗). In ancient Japan, this flower was associated with fortune-telling, known as kikyō wo uranau (吉凶を占う). The word kikyō (桔梗) is phonetically similar to kikkō (吉凶), meaning “good or bad fortune,” and over time it also became linked to kichi kō (吉更), signifying “further good luck.” For this reason, the bellflower motif has long been cherished as an auspicious design symbolizing good fortune and positive change.
■Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass)
Small parts
■Kote (armored sleeves):
Intricate iron chain mail with silk.
■Haidate (thigh protection):
The Haidate (佩楯) is a thigh guard. Small rectangular black iron plates are attached to the cloth.
■Suneate (shin guard):
Certification: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
On March 15th, 2026, 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.
*We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months
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】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the agency for Cultural Affairs to legally export the antique Samurai armor to other countries. It normally takes around 2-4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of a sword. and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
【How To Contact Us】
Please contact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.
【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.
If you like to know more about the preservation of this armor, please feel free to contact us.
