{"id":84929,"date":"2026-03-24T17:31:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T08:31:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=84929"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:55:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T01:55:33","slug":"antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-59","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-59\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Mid Edo Period Samurai Armor Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo<\/span><\/strong> Certificate (A-59)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Mid Edo Period<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Samurai Armor\u00a0 with Tokubetsu Kicho<\/span> Shiryo Certificate (A-59)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Period: Mid<\/strong> Edo Period (1688-1800)<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

appraised by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor on March 15th 2026.\u00a0<\/span>
\nWe are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months.<\/p>\n

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Kabuto (helmet)<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u25a0Helmet bowl: Suji Kabuto\u3000<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Among 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\u201316th centuries. Production of suji kabuto flourished during the Muromachi period.\u00a0\u00a0This example is a Rokuj\u016byonken Suji Kabuto (Sixty-Four Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 64 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Furthermore, at the very top of the helmet bowl is the tehen-no-ana (\u5929\u8fba\u306e\u7a74, \u201ctop opening\u201d), which in this piece is adorned with an intricate design: a chrysanthemum flower at the center. 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\u2019s topknot (mage) would protrude. However, as it provided an easy target for enemy attacks, this practice gradually disappeared around the Kamakura period (1185\u20131333). Thereafter, the opening lost its practical use and instead became a space for elaborate decoration, as seen in this example.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Shikoro (side neck guard):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Black lacquered plates laced with navy threads.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Fukikaeshi (side neck guard)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The fukikaeshi are the side flaps attached to both ends of a samurai helmet (kabuto). They served a defensive function by protecting the face from sword strikes, while also providing space for decorative designs that indicated the warrior\u2019s status or affiliation. In this example, the fukikaeshi are finished in the same tetsusabi-iro urushi-nuri (iron-rust-colored lacquer coating) as the helmet bowl. Unlike many helmets that feature family crests or ornate embellishments, these are left plain, giving them a rugged and austere appearance. This simplicity emphasizes a sense of strength and conveys the impression of practical, battlefield-oriented armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Menpo (face guard): Ress\u0113men (\u70c8\u52e2\u9762)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This type of menp\u014d (face guard) is called a ress\u0113men (\u70c8\u52e2\u9762). The name literally means \u201cfierce expression mask.\u201d As the term suggests, it was crafted to give the wearer a fearsome look on the battlefield. Such masks not only provided protection for the face but also served a psychological purpose\u2014intimidating opponents and expressing the warrior\u2019s spirit.
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\u25a0Maedate (Front decoration): Nichirin (\u65e5\u8f2a), Kuwagata (\u936c\u5f62\uff09<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This kabuto is equipped with a kuwagata, a type of maedatemono (\u524d\u7acb\u7269, front ornament), designed to dignify and enhance its overall appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At the center of the ornament is a nichirin (\u65e5\u8f2a, sun disc), a motif symbolizing radiance and divine power.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The lower section of the maedatemono is decorated with a Kara-jishi Botan (\u5510\u7345\u5b50\u7261\u4e39) design, depicting a Chinese lion and peonies. This motif traditionally represents strength, protection, and prosperity, combining the fierce power of the lion with the elegance of the peony.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Armor<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25a0 D\u014d (\u80f4, cuirass): Nimai D\u014d (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Nimai D\u014d (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4) is a type of cuirass used in T\u014dsei Gusoku (\u5f53\u4e16\u5177\u8db3, \u201cmodern armor\u201d developed during the Sengoku period). The term Nimai (\u4e8c\u679a) means \u201ctwo plates,\u201d while D\u014d (\u80f4) refers to the torso; hence, this cuirass is named for its two-piece construction. Unlike earlier armors made primarily from numerous small lamellar plates (kozane, \u5c0f\u672d), this style uses larger iron plates to provide stronger and more practical protection.<\/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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Small parts<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u25a0Kote (armored sleeves):<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Intricately crafted with iron chain mail interwoven with silk. On the back of the hand, the k\u014d (\u7532) section is decorated with a \u201cUmebachi-mon\u201d (\u6885\u9262\u7d0b), a traditional Japanese family crest featuring a stylized plum blossom.
\u00a0This design consists of five circular \u201cpetals\u201d arranged around a central circle, representing the shape of a plum flower viewed from above. The ume (plum) holds deep cultural significance in Japan. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter, symbolizing perseverance, renewal, and quiet strength. Because of these associations, the umebachi crest was favored by many samurai families, especially during the feudal period. It conveys a sense of elegance, dignity, and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Haidate (thigh protection):
\nThe haidate is a type of thigh guard, consisting of cloth backing reinforced with chain mail and iron plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Suneate (shin guard):<\/span><\/p>\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>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
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Certification<\/span><\/strong>: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On March 15th 2026, 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\u00a0Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozonkai<\/a>\u00a0(\u65e5\u672c\u7532\u5191\u6b66\u5177\u7814\u7a76\u4fdd\u5b58\u4f1a).\u00a0 Tokubestu Kicho Shiryo (\u7279\u5225\u8cb4\u91cd\u8cc7\u6599) means special rare article. It is\u00a0\u00a0ranked as the third highest of five rankings.<\/p>\n

*We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months<\/em><\/p>\n

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An English translation of the certificate is available on request. We won\u2019t charge any additional fee.<\/em><\/strong><\/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>
\nTokubetsu Kicho Shiryo Certificate, Samurai Armor,\u00a0 Storage Box, Display Stand, 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
40 cm<\/span><\/td>\n55 cm<\/span><\/td>\n150 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":85423,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[21,17],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-84929","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\/84929","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\/85423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=84929"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=84929"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=84929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}