{"id":85626,"date":"2026-03-31T11:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T02:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=85626"},"modified":"2026-04-01T23:53:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:53:51","slug":"antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-61","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-mid-edo-period-samurai-armor-tokubetsu-kicho-shiryo-certificate-a-61\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Mid Edo Period Samurai Armor Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo<\/span><\/strong> Certificate (A-61)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Mid Edo Period Samurai Armor\u00a0 with Tokubetsu Kicho<\/span> Shiryo Certificate (A-61)<\/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.
\n<\/span>We are expecting to receive its certificate in 2-3 months.
\n<\/span><\/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 Jy\u016b Rokken Suji Kabuto (\u5341\u516d\u9593\u7b4b\u515c, Sixteen Plate Suji Kabuto), made by riveting together 16 individual iron plates to form the helmet bowl, with radiating ridges that combine both beauty and functionality. <\/span> The surface of its metal is painted with black lacquer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Shikoro (side neck guard):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Black lacquered plates laced with light green 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.
\n<\/span>
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\u25a0 Maedate (Front decoration): Hinomaru \u014cgi (\u65e5\u306e\u4e38\u6247)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This kabuto is fitted with a maedatemono (\u524d\u7acb\u7269, front ornament), a decorative and symbolic element traditionally attached to the front of a samurai helmet to enhance its dignity and visual identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The design of this maedatemono takes the form of a fan (\u014dgi, \u6247), a motif long favored as an auspicious symbol of growth and prosperity. During the Heian period (794\u20131185\/1192), fans were enjoyed by the aristocracy and regarded as refined, noble objects. Their distinctive spreading shape is known as suehirogari (\u672b\u5e83\u304c\u308a), symbolizing a bright and expanding future.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On this particular piece, the fan bears the Hinomaru \u014cgi (sun-disc fan), a crest associated with the Satake clan, lords of the Kubota Domain in Dewa Province. According to the Azuma Kagami, a historical chronicle of the Kamakura period, the origin of the Satake clan\u2019s fan crest can be traced to an episode in which they entered battle under a white banner (the Genji white flag). It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo granted them permission to depict a round emblem\u2014originally a moon-disc fan\u2014on their banner, which later developed into their distinctive family crest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, a turtle ornament is attached to the tehen (\u5929\u8fba), the opening at the top of the kabuto (also called tehen-no-ana). The shell of this turtle is adorned with green hair-like fibers, representing a Minogame (\u84d1\u4e80), also known as a \u201clong-tailed turtle.\u201d This type of turtle has long been treasured in Japan as an auspicious symbol. Often depicted alongside cranes in traditional art, it represents longevity and good fortune, especially in celebrations wishing for a long and prosperous life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u25a0D\u014d (cuirass): Okegawa Nimai D\u014d (\u6876\u5ddd\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Nimai D\u014d (\u4e8c\u679a\u80f4, \u201ctwo-plate cuirass\u201d) is a type of torso armor used in T\u014dsei Gusoku (\u5f53\u4e16\u5177\u8db3), the so-called \u201cmodern armor\u201d that developed during Japan\u2019s Sengoku period (15th\u201316th centuries). The term nimai literally means \u201ctwo plates,\u201d while d\u014d refers to the torso, indicating a cuirass constructed from two large iron sections. Compared to earlier medieval armors made primarily from numerous small lamellar scales (kozane), this design employed larger iron plates, greatly improving both protection and battlefield practicality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This example belongs to the Okegawa D\u014d (\u6876\u5074\u80f4) type. The name okegawa derives from its resemblance to the vertical wooden staves of a tub (oke). The cuirass is divided vertically into two halves; one side\u2014typically the left\u2014is fitted with a hinge, while the opposite side is secured with cords or metal fastenings. This structure allowed the armor to be donned and removed efficiently while maintaining a rigid and durable form. The cuirass is made of black-lacquered iron plates and laced with deep navy-blue silk cord, creating a restrained yet authoritative appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On the back of the cuirass is a ukezutsu (\u53d7\u7b52), also known as sashizutsu (\u6307\u7b52), a tubular fitting made of metal or wood. This component was used to hold a sashimono\u2014such as a small flag, banner, or personal standard\u2014commonly worn by samurai from the Sengoku period onward. It was designed to secure the standard firmly in place, allowing it to be displayed clearly on the battlefield for identification and command purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u25a0Kusazuri (skirt of plates attached to the cuirass):<\/span>
\n\u00a0Lacquered iron Kusazuri laced with green 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. <\/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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\u25a0Kacchu Hitsu (armor box)<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0On 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 Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozonkai<\/span><\/a> (\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<\/span> ranked as the third highest of five rankings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/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
45 cm<\/span><\/td>\n54 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

More photos\uff06 videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":85821,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[21,17],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-85626","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\/85626","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\/85821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=85626"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=85626"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=85626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}