Antique Mid-Edo Period Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (A-58)
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 (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 Nijūyonken Suji Kabuto (Twenty-Four Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 24 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.
■Shikoro (side neck guard):
Black lacquered plates laced with navy blue threads.
■Fukikaeshi (side neck guard)
The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both sides of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive role by helping protect the face from glancing sword strikes, while also providing a prominent surface for heraldic decoration that expressed a warrior’s identity, status, and beliefs.
The fukikaeshi of this helmet are adorned with a Tomoe-mon (巴紋), a traditional Japanese crest characterized by its swirling, comma-shaped design. Among its variations, the most well-known is the Mitsudomoe (三つ巴), composed of three tomoe arranged in a circular, rotating pattern.
The Tomoe motif has ancient origins in Japan and is strongly associated with Shinto shrines, martial symbolism, and the concept of dynamic energy. Its revolving form is often interpreted as representing movement, balance, and the cyclical forces of nature, such as wind, water, and thunder. Because of these associations, the Tomoe-mon came to symbolize martial power, protection, and spiritual strength, making it especially popular among warriors.
■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.
■ Maedate (Front Decoration): Kuwagata
The Kuwagata is mounted on this kabuto as a type of maedatemono (前立物, front ornament), serving to dignify the helmet and enhance its visual authority. This kuwagata features bifurcated tips formed from a single metal plate, resulting in a design that is both restrained and powerful in appearance. Minor scratches and small areas of damage are visible; these are not considered flaws but rather traces of its long history, contributing to the piece’s authentic antique character.
At the center of the kuwagata is a sword motif, rather than a chrysanthemum crest. In the context of Japanese heraldry, this “sword” does not represent the curved, single-edged katana commonly associated with later samurai culture. Instead, it refers to an ancient straight, double-edged sword, a form that predates the katana and was widely revered in early Japan.
From ancient times, the sword has held profound symbolic meaning in Japanese culture as an emblem of martial virtue, authority, and divine power. One of the most famous examples is the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, which underscores the sword’s role as a sacred object closely tied to rulership and legitimacy.
Armor
■ Dō (cuirass): Okegawa Nimai Dō (桶川二枚胴)
The Nimai Dō (二枚胴, “two-plate cuirass”) is a type of torso armor used in Tōsei Gusoku (当世具足), the so-called “modern armor” that developed during Japan’s Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries). The term nimai literally means “two plates,” while dō refers to the torso, indicating a cuirass constructed from two large iron sections. Compared to earlier medieval armors made primarily from numerous small lamellar scales (kozane), this design employed larger iron plates, greatly improving both protection and battlefield practicality.
This example belongs to the Okegawa Dō (桶側胴) type. The name okegawa derives from its resemblance to the vertical wooden staves of a tub (oke). The cuirass is divided vertically into two halves; one side—typically the left—is fitted with a hinge, while the opposite side is secured with cords or metal fastenings. This structure allowed the armor to be donned and removed efficiently while maintaining a rigid and durable form. The cuirass is made of black-lacquered iron plates and laced with deep navy-blue silk cord, creating a restrained yet authoritative appearance.
On the back of the cuirass is an Agemaki-tsuke no kan, a metal ring used to tie decorative cords known as agemaki. Such fittings are also found on the rear elements of earlier armor types, including ō-yoroi, dō-maru, and haramaki. The ring on this cuirass is decorated with a Tomoe crest, matching the ornamental motifs used throughout the armor.
A particularly noteworthy feature of this cuirass is the presence of a small pocket-like attachment. This is a practical detail seen in authentic battlefield armor of the Sengoku period. Such compartments were used to carry essential items such as flint, medicine, or protective talismans. This functional addition highlights that Tōsei Gusoku was not merely ceremonial armor, but equipment designed with real combat conditions in mind, reflecting the realities of warfare during Japan’s age of constant conflict.
■Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):
Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with navy blue threads.
Small parts
■Kote (armored sleeves):
Intricately crafted with iron chain mail interwoven with silk. At the center of the back of the hand, a Tomoe-mon (巴紋) is prominently featured. The tomoe motif, characterized by its swirling, comma-shaped form, has deep roots in Japanese tradition and is closely associated with martial strength and spiritual protection. Its dynamic design was favored by warriors as a symbol of power, movement, and resilience.
■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】
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.
