{"id":57815,"date":"2024-10-23T18:05:17","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T09:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=57815"},"modified":"2024-11-29T15:30:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T06:30:20","slug":"antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-36","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-36\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Mid Edo Period Samurai Armor Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo<\/span><\/strong> Certificate (A-36)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Mid Edo Period Samurai Armor<\/span>\u00a0Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo<\/span> Certificate (A-36)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Period: Mid Edo Period<\/strong>
\nappraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor<\/span><\/p>\n

*The certificate mentions that the main parts of this armor were made in the mid-Edo period, and other details were restored after the Meiji period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kabuto (helmet)<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u25a0Helmet bowl: Koboshi Kabuto\u3000<\/span>
\n\u00a0We believe this Kabuto\u2019s style is the Koboshi Kabuto (\u5c0f\u661f\u515c), which is categorized as the Hoshi Kabuto (\u661f\u515c). The Hoshi Kabuto is a type of Samurai helmet that was born in the middle of the Heian period (\u5e73\u5b89, around 888-1068). Small rivets that hold iron plates together. These rivets are called the Hoshi (\u661f, star). In the Edo period, artisans made Kabutos not only Kawari Kabutos (please check the paragraph below) but also ancient-style Kabutos. For example, in the case of the Hoshi Kabuto, the Hoshis become smaller toward the top of the head; this form is called the Rinotori (\u5398\u52a3\u308a). It differs from the old-fashioned Hoshi Kabuto, in which all the Hoshis were the same size.
\n<\/span><\/p>\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; Samurai warriors tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic designed Kabutos. According to a theory, these uniquely designed Kabutos were made from the late Muromachi (\u5ba4\u753a, 1336-1573) to the Edo period (\u6c5f\u6238, 1603-1868). 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 paper were used as materials for decoration.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Here, we would like to introduce you to a little bit more about the history of Kabutos. Before the Kawari Kabuto\u2019s production, Suji Kabutos (\u7b4b\u515c) 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) swords 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, to turn the attack by swords, a new type of structure was invented: the Suji Kabuto. Its form slides sword attacks when weapons hit the Kabuto. It is said that the production of the Suji Kabuto prospered in the Muromachi period.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Shikoro (side neck guard):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Gold painted iron plates laced with vermillion, navy, and white threads.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Fukikaeshi (side neck guard): Maru-ni Mokkou<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Fukikaeshi (\u5439\u304d\u8fd4\u3057) is both ends of a Kabuto. It protects the face from swords and also shows its beautiful workmanship. On this Fukikashi, a chrysanthemum-shaped crest is designed. A long time ago, the chrysanthemum (\u83ca, Kiku) was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people appreciate it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. \u201cKiku no Gomon (\u83ca\u306e\u5fa1\u7d0b)\u201d is a kind of chrysanthemum pattern, and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Menpo (face guard): Ressei Menpo<\/span>
\n\u00a0This type of Menpo is called the Ressei Menpo (\u70c8\u52e2\u9762\u982c). It represents the angry face to intimidate enemies. There are many types of Menpo, depending on their shape or appearance. The purpose of Menpo was not only to protect Samurai\u2019s face. But also to hide their true faces so that their psychological states were unaffected. Beards are attached to this Menpo. Thanks to this effect, even a young soldier would have been able to produce the majestic appearance of a middle-aged Samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Maedate (Front decoration): Sanko-Duka-Ken<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Kuwagata (\u936c\u5f62) is attached to this Kabuto. It is a kind of Maedatemono (\u524d\u7acb\u7269, front decoration) to dignify the appearance. This Kabuto\u2019s Kuwagata has a shape in which its tip is bifurcated. It is made of two plates and is colored with golden paint. Although there are minor damages, such as scratches, these are traces of its long history. Also, chrysanthemums (\u83ca, Kiku) are gorgeously designed on the Kuwagata stand. <\/span>In addition, the Inome (\u732a\u306e\u76ee, boar\u2019s eye) patten is engraved at the tip of each end of Kuwagata and Kuwagata stand. The Inome pattern has been used since ancient times and looks similar to the heart mark. Some people believed the Inome design would work as an amulet to protect them from evil spirits or fire. Also, it is said it would bring good luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Kabuto also has another Maedatemono. You could see a sword-shaped decoration on its front. We estimate the motif of this Maedate is the Sanko-Duka-Ken (\u4e09\u9237\u67c4\u5263), which is a sword that the Fudo Myo-O (\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b: acalan\u0101tha, one of the objects of worship in Buddhism) brings. It is an esoteric Buddhist tool used for esoteric prayer, meditation, purification, and amulets. It is believed that this sword would exorcize evil spirits.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Armor<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0D\u014d (cuirass):\u00a0 Tetsu Kinkiri Tsuke Iyozane Beni Ito Odoshi Munatori Nimai D\u014d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Nimai Do (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4) is a kind of cuirass for the Tousei Gusoku (\u5f53\u4e16\u5177\u8db3, developed armor style). Nimai Do (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4) was named because Nimai (\u4e8c\u679a) means two plates, and Do (\u80f4) means torso in Japanese. Instead of using a large number of small lamellar plates called Kozane (\u5c0f\u672d), this cuirass used large iron plates riveted. The surface of this cuirass is decorated with Iyozanes (\u4f0a\u4e88\u672d, a type of armor Kozane devised by armorers in Iyo province). And 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Sode (shoulder guards):\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0Iron Sode (\u8896) laced with navy, vermillion, and white threads. This armor has \u014c-Sode (\u5927\u8896) type shoulder guard, which is usually attached to an \u014c-Yoroi (\u5927\u93a7). In Japan, horse-riding warriors attacked enemies on horseback with both hands, such as bows and swords. The cavalry warriors protected themselves by twisting their bodies and being attacked by enemy arrows with these large sleeve protectors. They used the \u014c-Sode as an alternative to a shield held in one hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The shoulder guards also have a long and thin metal object called the Kougai Kanamono (\u7b04\u91d1\u7269), which is decorated with the Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) pattern. It is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (\u8513) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; \u201cMan.\u201d There is a word \u4e07 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (\u5e2f, belt). The word \u201c\u5e2f\u201d can also be read \u201cTai.\u201d Due to its pronunciation, the term \u201c\u4ee3 (Tai)\u201d is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom \u4e07\u4ee3 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u25a0Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Golden painted iron Kusazuri laced with navy, vermillion, and white threads. The pictures below show that some Kusazuris have portions where the metal surface is partially peeled off. However, the cords for the Odoshi (\u7e05, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Small parts<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Kote (armored sleeves):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Intricate iron chain mail is attached to its cloth made of silk. Although the golden painting of the hand guard part is partly peeling off, you will find some flower patterns are depicted. One of the flowers seems to be the Ume (\u6885, Japanese apricot blossom). Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree so that people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Haidate (thigh protection):
\n\u00a0The Haidate (\u4f69\u696f) is a thigh guard. Chain mail and iron plates are attached to its cloth.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Suneate (shin guard):
\n\u00a0The Kikkou (\u4e80\u7532, turtle\u2019s shell) pattern is used for the cloth of the Suneate (\u811b\u5f53). 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 (\u98db\u9ce5, 592-710) and Nara (\u5948\u826f, 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Tsuranuki (short leather shoes):<\/span>
\n\u00a0The short shoes covered with animal fur are called the Tsuranuki (\u8cab). One pair of shoes is covered with black hair, which might be bear fur, and the other is covered with brown fur, which might be boar fur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Agemaki (decorative colorful laces with tufts):<\/span>
\n\u00a0If you focus on the back of this armor, you will find a cord tied in a dragonfly cross shape attached to the back of the D\u014d. This string is called the Agemaki (\u7dcf\u89d2\/\u63da\u5dfb). In order to expand the range of motion of the arm, it is said that this cord played a role in connecting and fixing the line attached to the sleeve parts. The Agemaki is a method of tying strings used in areas such as Sumo (\u76f8\u64b2, sum\u014d), Shinto (\u795e\u9053, a Japanese religion, literally means “the way of the gods”), and \u014c-Yoroi (\u5927\u93a7, a type of armor). And there are two types of this knot, one representing the shape of the character “\u5165” and the other representing the shape of the character “\u4eba.” The “\u5165” style is used when people hope to invite luck and treasure.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On the other hand, the “\u4eba” style has the meaning of protecting against evil spirits, misfortune, and danger and has been attached to armor such as the back of unprotected armor. We assume people wished that the character “\u5165” means let people come in, and “\u4eba” means win (overcome) people. Although they are very similar, even the way they are tied has meaning and is incorporated into the decoration of this armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, on the plate to which a metal ring that ties the Agemaki is attached, called the Agemaki Tsuki Kanza (\u7dcf\u89d2\u4ed8\u9436\u5ea7), you will also find Ichou (\u9280\u674f, Ginkgo Biloba) leaves design. This plant contains lots of water; therefore, it is fire-resistant. It does not quickly die even if flames burn it. Because of its strong vitality and longevity, the Ichou pattern has been considered a good-luck motif. In Japan, Ichou trees can often be found in shrines. People worship it as the Goshinboku (\u3054\u795e\u6728, tree of worship) and treat it respectfully. Also, many families use this plant pattern for their family crests. In Japanese, there is another word that has the same pronunciation as the Ichou (\u9280\u674f). It is written as \u201c\u7570\u671d\u201d and means a foreign country. Based on this common pronunciation, people thought the Ichou (\u9280\u674f) pattern showed the joy of welcoming honored guests from overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Certification<\/span><\/strong>: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate (No. 2194)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On May 26th 2024, 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. Tokubestu Kicho Shiryo means special rare article. It is ranked as the third highest of five rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The paper mentions the armor was made in the mid Edo period (mid 17th- mid 18th century)<\/strong>. You can receive this original authentication paper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An English translation of the certificate is available on request. We won\u2019t charge any additional fee.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

\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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\u3010Antique Japanese Armor and Export process\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0After 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\u00a0<\/strong>to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months<\/strong> for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\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 Free 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>
\n\u00a0Please 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>
\n\u00a0Dryness, 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

\u00a0If 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:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
\nTokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Authentication Paper, Samurai Armor, Armor Stand, Armor Storage Box, Full Exportation Support<\/span><\/p>\n

Delivery Date:\u00a0<\/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
52 cm<\/span><\/td>\n72 cm<\/span><\/td>\n156 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","protected":false},"featured_media":57975,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[21,17],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-57815","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-real-armor","7":"product_cat-armor","9":"first","10":"outofstock","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\/57815","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\/57975"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=57815"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=57815"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=57815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}