Antique Late Edo Period Tatami Do with Kicho Certificate (A-38)
Period: Late Edo period
appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor
Description
This item is categorized as Tatami gusoku (畳具足). Tatami (畳) means a straw and rush mat (tatami mat), and Gusoku (具足) means an armor.
■Do (cuirass): Karuta sane Tsunagi Tatami Do
This item is the Do (胴, cuirass). The cuirass is made of Karuta sane (骨牌札), or called Karuta gane (骨牌金), square metal pieces joined together by a chain. The name Tatami Do comes from the fact that it can be folded up small and easily carried around like a tatami mat.
In a time of war, guns and spears appeared on the battlefields where Naginata (薙刀, pole weapon) and bows and arrows were the primary weapons. In that tendency, it was necessary to create a stronger cuirass than conventional ones in order to protect the body from the attacks of such highly penetrating weapons. Until then, the mainstream structure was made up of Kozanes (小札, small iron or leather plate) joined together. However, a new type of cuirass was invented following the demands of the times. This type of cuirass is called the Itamono Do (板物胴) and is composed of large iron plates. Since it has an inadequately flexible structure, iron plates could be split and connected with hinges. Mass production became more accessible as the manufacturing process was simplified compared to the work of pasting together many small plates. It makes sense that this simple and sturdy type of armor became mainstream when bottles were escalating.
The surface of Tatami gusoku is sewn with iron plates, which is thought to have provided considerable protection. The iron plates are chained together, making the gusoku lighter than regular gusoku. The chains also ensure flexibility. Therefore, the Tatami gusoku was considered highly practical.
■Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):
Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with navy threads. The cords for the Odoshi (縅, a technique for armor tying boards together with cords such as leather or thread) are relatively in good condition, so each plate is tied without coming off.
Small parts
■Kote (armored sleeves):
Intricate iron chain mail with silk.
■Haidate (thigh protection):
The Haidate (佩楯) is a thigh guard. The plates are laced with white threads.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition. If you like to purchase an antique Samurai helmet along with this armor, please check here.
Certification: Kicho Shiryo Certificate (No.1366)
On December 8th 2024, this armor was appraised as a 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). Kicho Shiryo (貴重資料) means special rare article. It is ranked as the fourth highest of five rankings.
The paper mentions the armor was made in the late Edo period (late 18th- mid 19th century). 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】
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】
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【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.
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【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.
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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.
If you like to know more about the preservation of this armor, please feel free to contact us.
