{"id":29954,"date":"2022-07-22T12:22:20","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T03:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=29954"},"modified":"2025-08-18T17:21:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T08:21:12","slug":"antique-iron-black-lacquered-samurai-armor-a-13","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-iron-black-lacquered-samurai-armor-a-13\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Iron Black Lacquered Samurai Armor (A-13)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Iron Black Lacquered Samurai Armor (A-13)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Period: Estimated Mid-Late Edo Period <\/strong><\/span>
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*Please keep in mind that some of the thread aren’t connected to plates due to the aging of the silk.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Kabuto (helmet)<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u25a0Helmet bowl:<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Kabuto (\u515c, 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; Samurais tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic designed Kabutos. According to a theory, these unique designed Kabutos were made from the late Muromachi period to the Edo period. This type of Kabuto is categorized as the Kawari Kabuto (\u5909\u308f\u308a\u515c), and a variety of materials were used to create them. For example, animal fur, seashells, plants, and papers were used as materials for decoration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Here we would like to introduce to you a little bit more about the history of Kabutos. Before the Kawari Kabuto\u2019s production, the Suji Kabuto (\u7b4b\u515c) has appeared during the Nanbokuchou (\u5357\u5317\u671d, 1337-1392) period. At that time, the tactic was gradually changed from the piggyback fight style to battle with the Tachi (\u592a\u5200) sword and the Naginata (\u8599\u5200, Japanese halberd) on the ground. Therefore, there was a rise in demand for the weight saving of the Kabuto. Also, in order to turn the attack by swords, a new type of structure was invented; it is the Suji Kabuto (\u7b4b\u515c). Its form slides swords\u2019 attacks when weapons hit the Kabuto. It is said that the production of the Suji Kabuto prospered in the Muromachi (\u5ba4\u753a, 1336-1573) period.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Shikoro (side neck guard):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Iron plates laced with navy blue threads.<\/span>
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\u25a0Fukikaeshi (side neck guard):\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Fukikaeshi (\u5439\u304d\u8fd4\u3057) is both ends of a helmet. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. This helmet’s Fukikaeshi is made of an elegant black lacquered iron plate and has a simple look. Family crests are sometimes designed on this part.<\/span>
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\u25a0 Maedate (Front decoration): Nichirin and sword<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Maedatemono (\u524d\u7acb\u7269, front decoration) is attached to this helmet. We think it is the combination of the Nichirin (\u65e5\u8f2a, another name for the sun). There was a widespread belief among Samurais; the Myouken (\u5999\u898b) belief. This religion was born in India. It was mixed with the Polestar belief and was brought to Japan from the Continent. The sun, the moon, and the stars of the entire universe were the symbols of faith. The Myouken Bosatsu (\u5999\u898b\u83e9\u85a9, \u83e9\u85a9 means Bodhisattva) fulfills all wishes such as fertility of rich harvest, peace, the prosperity of the clan, healing of illness, longevity, success in business, traffic safety, academic achievement, marriage, etcetera. So, it is understandable that the sun motif was appreciated among Samurais. The former owner of this armor might have had shown his faith wearing this helmet.
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\u00a0Uesugi Kenshin (\u4e0a\u6749 \u8b19\u4fe1, 1530-1578), a famous feudal Daimyo (\u5927\u540d, a Japanese feudal lord), who ruled the Hokuriku (\u5317\u9678) area also liked this design. He fought in lots of battles and won victory in most of them. Therefore, he was called the Gunshin (\u8ecd\u795e, god of war). His helmet had the front decoration, and its motif was the combination of the Nichirin and the crescent moon. A theory says he believed the Myouken belief and especially worshipped the sun and the moon. By combining the Nichirin and a sword, this Metate’s designer might have tried to show his faith and determination to be successful on battlefields.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Armor<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Do (cuirass): Okegawa Nimai Do<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Nimai Do (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4) is a kind of cuirass for Tousei Gusoku (\u5f53\u4e16\u5177\u8db3, developed armor style). Since Nimai (\u4e8c\u679a) means two plates, and Do (\u80f4) means torso in Japanese, this type of Do is called this name. This Do uses many small lamellar plates called Kozane (\u5c0f\u672d, small strip-shaped plate).
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\u00a0The name Okegawa (\u6876\u5074) came from the fact that the shape of this cuirass resembles the side (Gawa in Japanese) of Oke (Japanese wooden tub). The body armor 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. This Do is made of black lacquered iron plates, and these were laced with navy blue thread.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u25a0Sode (shoulder guards): <\/span>
\n\u00a0Iron Sode laced with navy blue threads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass): <\/span>
\n\u00a0Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with navy blue threads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that some of the thread aren’t connected to plates due to the aging of the silk.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Small parts<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Kote (armored sleeves): <\/span>
\nIntricate iron chain mail with silk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Haidate (thigh protection):
\nThe Haidate (\u4f69\u696f) is a thigh guard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Suneate (shin guard):
\nLacquered iron Shin guard. The Kikkou (\u4e80\u7532, turtle\u2019s shell) pattern is used for the cloth of the leg guard. It is a continuous geometric pattern connecting regular hexagons up and down. A theory says that this design was brought from the Continent during the Asuka (592-710) and Nara (710-794) periods. A proverb says turtles live long lives; therefore, turtle and turtle\u2019s shell pattern represent longevity. In addition, as this continuous hexagonal pattern does not get out of its shape, it is said that people wished for eternal prosperity by using this design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Payment method\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe<\/strong> (Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don\u2019t 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<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, CHF<\/strong> or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Shipping duration\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We 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. <\/span>We offer\u00a0Free International Shipping<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We will inform you of the order\u2019s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Please 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\nPlease 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How To Preserve Antique Samurai Armor\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\nDryness, humidity, and bad ventilation might deteriorate the condition of antique Samurai armor. The best temperature to preserve Samurai armor is around 20\u2103 in Celsius, and humidity should be about 60%.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you like to know more about the preservation of this armor, please feel free to<\/span> contact us<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Included:<\/strong> <\/span>
\nSamurai Armor, Armor Stand, Armor Storage Box, Full Exportation Support<\/span><\/p>\n

Delivery Date:<\/strong><\/span>
\n1.0-1.5<\/strong> month after you place an order<\/span>
\n*There might be delay in shipment depending on countries<\/span><\/p>\n

Size:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Vertical<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nWidth<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nHeight<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
46 cm<\/span><\/td>\n65 cm<\/span><\/td>\n155 cm<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*The size refers to when you display the armor on the box*1 inch=2.54cm<\/span><\/p>\n

More photos\uff06 videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":29844,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[21,17],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-29954","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-real-armor","7":"product_cat-armor","9":"first","10":"instock","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple","14":"add-to-wishlist-after_add_to_cart","15":"customify-col","16":"product-has-gallery"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/29954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=29954"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=29954"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=29954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}