Antique Mid Edo Period Tetsusabiji Samurai Armor with Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo
This armor was made in the middle of the Edo Period according to the Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo authentication paper.
Kabuto (helmet)
■Helmet bowl: Tetsusabiji Kabuto(Helmet)
The surface is coated with lacquer whose color resembles the iron rust(Tetsusabi)
■Shikoro(side neck guard):
Iron plates laced with navy blue
■Menpo(face guard):Iron mask with mustache made of horse tail hair.
This type of Menpo(Faceguard) is called Retsusei Menpo(烈勢面頬) It represents the angry face to intimidate enemies. It also has mustache made of horsetail fur.
■ Side decoration(Wakidate) ; Bamboo horn
Please look at the Kabuto (helmet) and focus on its large ornaments that are placed on the upper right and left sides. This part is called the Waki-Date (脇立); it stands on the left and right sides of the helmet bowl for decoration. The bamboo is designed for this Samurai helmet’s Wakidate. It expresses the appearance of thick bamboo with solid joints; it is not difficult to imagine that the Samurai who worn this helmet showed a strong presence on the battlefield.
As bamboo is hard to break, people thought it represents an indomitable spirit. Bamboos grow neatly towards the sky, and it is vital; therefore, this motif represents nobility and strength. Besides, the bamboo breaks straight, but its content is hollow; people thought it shows innocence. Also, as it keeps its green color even in cold winter, it is said the bamboo pattern shows eternity and longevity. Samurai who owned this helmet might have wished to be a soldier of integrity and that he would cultivate an indomitable spirit, in analogy to the meaning of the bamboo design.
■Fukikaeshi: Family crest of Mori family
This Samurai armor has been passed down amon Mori family, a famous feudal clan that flourished during Sengoku- Edo period.
At the Fuki-Kaeshi (吹返) part, you would find small circle-shaped symbol marks designed by a kind of bird. It depicts the Mori (森) family’s family crest. This crest is categorized as the Tsurumaru-Mon (鶴丸文, Tsuru means a crane). This bird has been appreciated since the Heian period (794-1185) due to its graceful appearance. Even today, Japanese people treat it as an indispensable motif for auspicious scenes. According to a theory, the family crest of the Tsuru pattern was established in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). There is a proverb that says cranes and turtles live a long life. It says cranes have even one thousand years lifespan; therefore, cranes and turtles have been considered the symbol of longevity since a long time ago. From this meaning, we would say the crane pattern is a good-luck motif.
Armor
■Do(Cuirass): Tetsusabiiro Nozarashi Mon Byosan Munatori Nimai Do(鉄錆地野晒文鋲散胸取二枚胴)
Nimai Do is a kind of cuirass for Tousei Gusoku(developed armor style). Nimai Do was named after the fact that Nimai means two plates, and Do means torso in Japanese. This part can be separated into two pieces and connected with a hinge. Typically, the hinge is located on the left side, and you can tighten this cuirass on the right side.
■ Decoration on body armor: Skull( Nozarashi Mon)
If you focus on the Doh (胴, body) part, you will notice impressive motifs; the Dokuro (髑髏, skull) decorations. Generally, many people probably have negative impressions of skulls, such as death or evil. However, in Japanese interpretation, this motif represents warding off evils or regeneration. Also, since the scull is the figure of a dead human, this armor’s owner might have wanted to hold a funeral for the deceased who perished in battles and determined to follow in their footsteps.
■Sode(Shoulder guards): Tetsusabiji iron Sode laced with navy blue thread.
■Kusazuri:lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with navy blue thread
Kusazuri is a skirt of plates attached to the cuirass
Small parts
■Kote(Armored sleeves): Intricate iron chain mail with silk
■Haidate(thigh protection) : Haidate is a shin guard
■Suneate(Shin guard): lacquered iron Suneate
Certification:Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate
The cerificate issued by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, which is the most trusted Japanese armor appraiser in Japan. Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo means an especially precious cultural article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.
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【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, original Japanese sword mounting, 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 ageny for Cultural Affairs to legally export the antique Samurai armor to other countries. It normally takes around 1-1.5 months to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1-2 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. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, EUR or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire tranfer will be the only options for payment.
【Shipping】
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can send antique Samurai armor by either EMS or DHL(If EMS can’t ship to your country). We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office/DHL. We will put 100 % insurance on the shipping document without any extra charge. Based on the total amount, there might be a duty tax or other fee for you to pay, depending on the countries. We use package cushioning to protect the item.
It will normally takes 5-14 days for the item to arrive at your given address after we dispatch it. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be delays in shipping. If you like to know the detail about shipping, please feel free to ask us.
【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.