Antique Mid-Edo Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-57)
Period: Mid Edo Period (1688-1800)
Appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on December 7th 2025. We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months.
Kabuto (helmet)
■Helmet bowl: Suji Kabuto
The kabuto (samurai helmet) served as essential head protection for the samurai. While early helmets were designed primarily for practical use, over time they came to express the warrior’s dignity, individuality, and even religious beliefs. From the late Muromachi period to the Edo period, more decorative helmets known as kawari kabuto (unusual or exotic helmets) appeared, often adorned with materials such as animal fur, seashells, plants, or paper.
Among the more practical designs, the suji kabuto (ridged helmet) became highly valued. Its bowl was constructed with raised ridges designed to deflect the strikes of swords, reducing their impact. This innovation also contributed to weight reduction, meeting the demands of changing battle tactics in the 14th–16th centuries. Production of suji kabuto flourished during the Muromachi period. This example is a Rokujūyonken Suji Kabuto (Sixty-Four Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 64 individual iron plates to form the helmet bowl, with radiating ridges that combine both beauty and functionality. The use of such a high number of plates created a smoother, more rounded silhouette, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of armorers of the time.
Furthermore, at the very top of the helmet bowl is the tehen-no-ana (天辺の穴, “top opening”), which in this piece is adorned with an intricate design: a chrysanthemum flower at the center surrounded by an arabesque (karakusa) pattern. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility and longevity, famously associated with the Imperial family. The arabesque motif, depicting endlessly extending vines, represents vitality, prosperity, and the flourishing of descendants. Originally, the tehen-no-ana was a functional opening through which the warrior’s topknot (mage) would protrude. However, as it provided an easy target for enemy attacks, this practice gradually disappeared around the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Thereafter, the opening lost its practical use and instead became a space for elaborate decoration, as seen in this example.
Inside the helmet is an inscription bearing the name Saotome Ienaga (早乙女家長). Ienaga was a master armorer active from the early to mid Edo period (17th–18th century) and a prominent member of the Saotome school, one of the most respected lineages of Japanese armor makers. The Saotome family originated as an offshoot of the renowned Myōchin school, inheriting its advanced ironworking techniques while developing a distinctive aesthetic of their own. Within this lineage, Ienaga is regarded as one of the principal and most accomplished craftsmen.
He is particularly celebrated for the production of kabuto made from finely forged iron. His works are known for their excellent hammering, balanced proportions, and refined yet restrained forms, combining strength with visual elegance. Helmets attributed to Saotome Ienaga were commissioned by high-ranking samurai families, including the powerful Date clan, underscoring the prestige and reliability of his craftsmanship.
*Please be aware that the lacing cords of this helmet are partially worn over time due to age-related deterioration. Also, the thick red rope attached to the helmet is partially torn but you can display the armor like the photo by adjusting its position.
■Shikoro (side neck guard):
Black lacquered plates laced with white threads.
■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard)
The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive function by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also providing space for decorative designs that indicated a warrior’s status and affiliation.
■Menpo (face guard): Ressēmen (烈勢面)
This type of menpō (samurai face guard) is known as a ressēmen (烈勢面). The term literally translates as “fierce expression mask,” a name that directly reflects its purpose. Ressēmen were designed with exaggerated and aggressive facial features—such as a scowling mouth, pronounced cheekbones, and deeply carved expressions—to present a terrifying appearance on the battlefield.
Beyond their visual impact, ressēmen served an important protective function, shielding the lower face from sword cuts and flying debris. At the same time, they played a significant psychological role in warfare. By confronting enemies with an inhuman, almost demonic visage, these masks were intended to unsettle opponents, undermine their morale, and project the wearer’s unwavering resolve and fighting spirit.
■ Maedatemono (Front decoration): (monji-mon, character-based crests)
This kabuto is fitted with a maedatemono (前立物, front ornament), a decorative and symbolic element traditionally attached to the front of a samurai helmet to enhance its dignity and visual identity.
The design of this maedatemono is “Hosowani ni Hon no Ji” (細輪に本の字), a type of Japanese family crest (kamon). It consists of the Chinese character “Hon” (本)—literally meaning “origin,” “foundation,” or “source”—enclosed within a slender circular ring (hosowani, thin loop).
This motif belongs to a category known as monji-mon (文字紋), or character-based crests. Unlike animal or floral crests, monji-mon use written characters and were valued for their flexibility and symbolic depth. Such characters were often chosen for their auspicious meanings, connections to a family name, or philosophical significance, rather than for literal representation. The character “Hon” conveys ideas of rootedness, legitimacy, and fundamental strength, making it an appropriate emblem for a warrior culture that valued lineage, order, and moral grounding.
Armor
■ Dō (cuirass): Nimai Dō (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.
■Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):
Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with white threads.
Small parts
■Kote (armored sleeves):
Intricately crafted with iron chain mail interwoven with silk. On the middle section of the back of the hand, a cherry blossom crest (sakura mon) is prominently featured. The finger-covering plates bear diamond-shaped (hishi) patterns, along with what appears to be a design associated with the Takeda family crest (武田菱, Takeda-bishi), a motif strongly connected to the famous Takeda clan of the Sengoku period.
■Haidate (thigh protection):
The haidate is a type of thigh guard, consisting of cloth backing reinforced with chain mail and iron plates.
■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. This Suneate is a type called Kusari sunete (chain armor shin guard). It features chains attached to fabric, with minimal gaps between the metal links.
Certification: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
On December 7th 2025, 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】
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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.
