AN OKEGAWA NIMAI-DO GUSOKU (TWO-PIECE CUIRASS ARMOR) AND SO-FUKURIN SUJIBACHI KABUTO

Japan, 17^th-18^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The predominantly gilt-lacquered components laced in green and orange, mounted on fine beige and gold silk brocade, and fitted with kanamono with kiku (chrysanthemum), hanabishi, sakura (cherry-blossom), and katabami (wood sorrel) design, as well as the Kiritake Kurusu (split bamboo cross) mon.

The armor comprises:
Kabuto (helmet): A brown-lacquered thirty-two-plate iron bowl with raised ridges, topped by a five-stage mixed-metal tehen kanamono issuing shinodare to the front, back, and sides, applied with gilt-copper so-fukurin (ornamental border) and igaki (small metal plates to the base) pierced with inome (boar’s eye), the mabisashi applied with gilded leather and centered by an emboss inscribed 八幡, flanked by kiku medallions, the brim further fitted with a gilt-lacquered maedate in the form of an oni with tall curling horns, fine metal whiskers, and large funnel-shaped ears lacquered red to the interior, flanked by stylized leaf-form fukigaeshi in gilt-metal, all above the five-lame jikoro.

Menpo (Mask): A red-lacquered iron menpo with a sharp nose, removable nose plate secured by turning pins, cast with flared nostrils and an open mouth, designed with deeply embossed wrinkles, the chin with ase-nagashi, and cord pegs on rhombus grommets, all fitted with a four-lame yodarekake.

Do (Chest Plate): A gilt-lacquered iron do studded with kiku embosses, with seven sections of five-lame kusazuri, the back fitted with uke-zutsu (sashimono pole holder). The iron watagami (shoulder straps) with a checkered design and applied with the Kiritake Kurusu [split bamboo cross] mon in shakudo against a ring-punched ground.

Sode (Shoulder Guard): A pair of six-lame sode.

Haidate (Thigh Guard): A pair of gilt-lacquered haidate.

Kote (Armored Sleeves) and Tekko (Gauntlets): A pair of gilt-lacquered iron and kusari (chain mail) kote and tekko, the tekko further applied with kanamono with hanabishi, sakura (cherry-blossom), and katabami (wood sorrel) design.

Suneate (Shin Guards): A pair of gilt-lacquered iron and kusari (chain mail) suneate.

Condition: Very good condition with expected wear, soiling, and corrosion. The lacquer with age cracks, small losses, and flaking. The kabuto with small losses to the lacquered leather on the mabisashi. The maedate with repairs and associated touchups.

The red wood storage box (yoroibako) with the character 前 mae [to advance] in gold hiramaki-e to one side, and the other three sides with Agari Fuji (rising wisteria) mon, associated with the Fujiwara clan.

The family crest Agari Fuji (rising wisteria), or Nobori Fuji, is one of the wisteria crests designed with the wisteria, a climbing plant native to Japan and classified in the genus Wisteria of the legume family, as its motif. Its sturdy vines are said to have been used as a material for various crafts. However, what is even more distinctive is its ornate, vertically hanging, pale purple inflorescence, which is said to reach up to 80 cm in height. It has been known as a plant highly valued for ornamental purposes from ancient times to the present day. The wisteria crest is so widespread in modern times that it is even listed among the five (or ten) major crests. Among them, the "hanging wisteria" crest, which succinctly captures the characteristic drooping flower clusters, is considered the most representative type.

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