{"id":68101,"date":"2025-05-13T12:35:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T03:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=68101"},"modified":"2026-03-28T18:22:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T09:22:50","slug":"antique-late-edo-period-samurai-armor-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-49","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-late-edo-period-samurai-armor-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-49\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Late Edo Period Samurai Armor Kicho Shiryo<\/span> Certificate (A-49)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Late Edo Period Samurai Armor with Kicho<\/span> Certificate (A-49)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Period: Late Edo period (1801-1844)<\/strong>
\nappraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on May 11th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kabuto (helmet)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Prime Material: Iron<\/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 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 (1467-1573) period to the Edo (\u6c5f\u6238, 1603-1868) 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 paper were used as materials for decoration. This Kabuto has a unique design, which looks like the Eboshi (\u70cf\u5e3d\u5b50, headgear worn by nobles in court dress).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that there are a few areas where you see some scratches on the surface of the lacquer as well as light cracks due to its age.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Shikoro (side neck guard):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Fukikaeshi (side neck guard): Janome<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Fukikaeshi (\u5439\u304d\u8fd4\u3057) is both ends of a helmet. It protects the face from swords. The motif of this Fukikaeshi is a family crest called Janome (\u86c7\u306e\u76ee). In Japanese, Janome means snake’s eyes, but this design of the family crest originally comes from\u00a0 a weapon. On\u00a0 well-known Samurai family that used this crest was that of Kato Kiyomasa (\u52a0\u85e4\u6e05\u6b63).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Menpo (face guard): Hanb\u014d<\/span>
\n\u00a0This type of half mask is called the Hanb\u014d (\u534a\u982c) and was popular as it was easy to breathe compared to the full mask that covers his nose. The purpose of Menpo was not only to protect Samurai’s face. But also to hide their true faces so that their psychological states were not affected. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u25a0Maedate (Front decoration):\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Maedatemono (\u524d\u7acb\u7269, front decoration) is attached to this Kabuto. We estimate its shape imitates a type of the moon called a Mikaduki (\u4e09\u65e5\u6708, crescent moon). We imagine that its golden color caught people\u2019s eyes on the battlefields. According to a theory, the crescent moon designs of Maedates came from 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. In the Myouken belief, the moon and stars 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. Reasonably, the moon motif for a Maedate was popular among Samurai warriors. The former owner of this armor might have shown his faith by wearing this Kabuto. One of the famous Samurai who used this type of Maedate was Date Masamune (\u4f0a\u9054 \u653f\u5b97, 1567-1636). He took over the family estate at the age of 17 and contributed to the prosperity of the Touhoku (\u6771\u5317) region. It features a sizeable crescent-shaped decoration and is a popular design even in modern times for replica products.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Armor<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Do (cuirass): Okegawa Nimai<\/span> Do\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0Nimai Do is a kind of cuirass for Tousei Gusoku (\u5f53\u4e16\u5177\u8db3, developed armor style). Nimai Do (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4) was named after the fact that 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Decoration on body armor:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It features Sh\u014dhei-gawa, a type of dyed leather decorated with a combination of motifs such as lions, peonies, and arabesques, along with the inscription \u201cSh\u014dhei 6, June 1st.\u201d The year Sh\u014dhei 6 corresponds to 1351, when the shogun Prince Kaneyoshi is said to have commissioned leatherworkers to create it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, the pattern designed on this leather is called Shishi Botan (\u7345\u5b50\u7261\u4e39), which is a combination of Karajishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50, lion) and Botan (\u7261\u4e39, peony). While lions have been known as the \u201cking of beasts\u201d, peonies have also been called the \u201cking of flowers.\u201d\u00a0 Therefore, this combination motif has been favored since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There is a Houwa (\u6cd5\u8a71, Buddhist monks tell the story of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand manner) that treats the Karajishi and this flower. The lion is called the king of the beasts. However, even this invincible animal has only one fear: a bug in the lion\u2019s body. This pest grows in the lion\u2019s hair and eventually breaks the skin and bites the flesh. Nevertheless, it dies if it is exposed to the night dew of a peony. Therefore, the lion rests under peony flowers at night, looking for a haven. The design of these sword mountings might have been quoted from this story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called \u201cBotan\u201d in Japanese. When we write this flower\u2019s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine that would give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass)<\/span><\/p>\n

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Small parts<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Kote (armored sleeves): <\/span>
\n\u00a0Intricate iron chain mail with silk.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Kikyo pattern is decorated on this Kote. Kikyou is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (\u77ed\u6b4c, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially \u201cKichikou,\u201d and it changed to \u201cKikyou\u201d with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (\u5409\u51f6\u3092\u5360\u3046) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (\u5409\u51f6, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower\u2019s name. \u201cKichikou\u201d was compared to the word \u201cKichi Kou (\u5409\u66f4),\u201d which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Haidate (thigh protection):<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Haidate (\u4f69\u696f) is a thigh guard. Small rectangular black iron plates are attached to the cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Suneate (shin guard):\u00a0<\/span>
\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 (592-710) and Nara periods (710-794). A proverb says turtles live long lives; therefore, turtle and turtle\u2019s 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><\/p>\n

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Certification<\/span><\/strong>: Kicho Shiryo Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On May 11th 2025, this armor was appraised as a 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<\/span><\/a> <\/span>(\u65e5\u672c\u7532\u5191\u6b66\u5177\u7814\u7a76\u4fdd\u5b58\u4f1a).\u00a0 Kicho Shiryo (\u8cb4\u91cd\u8cc7\u6599) means rare article. It is ranked as the 4th highest of five rankings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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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\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

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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\u00a0 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>
\nKicho Shiryo Certificate, Samurai 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
50cm<\/span><\/td>\n58cm<\/span><\/td>\n153cm<\/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":68262,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[21,17],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-68101","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\/68101","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\/68262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=68101"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=68101"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=68101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}