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Proudly listed by: Samurai Store, Inc. JAPAN
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Item Location SAMURAI STORE Tokyo

Item# DN02
Antique suit of armor Edo Shogun period w/ Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō Certificate

A stunning antique armor on display at SAMURAI STORE TOKYO 

Antique Mid-Edo Period Samurai Armor

Black-Lacquered Iron Kiritsuke-Kozane Nimai-Dō Gusoku with Indigo Silk Lacing

Certified Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō (甲種特別貴重資料)

The Second-Highest Certification Awarded by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society

This exceptional suit of authentic Japanese samurai armor is a superb example of mid-Edo period craftsmanship (18th century). Preserved as a complete Tōsei Gusoku, it embodies the refinement, practicality, and quiet elegance that characterized the equipment of high-ranking samurai during Japan's long era of peace.

Most notably, this armor has been awarded the prestigious Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō (甲種特別貴重資料) certification by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society. This is the second-highest level of certification currently granted by the organization, surpassed only by Important Cultural Material. Such recognition is reserved for armor of exceptional historical, artistic, and documentary importance, placing this example among the finest authenticated samurai armors available on today's international market.

The armor is constructed in black-lacquered iron Kiritsuke-Kozane, a sophisticated style in which larger iron scales are individually shaped to faithfully reproduce the elegant appearance of traditional kozane lamellar armor. Highly refined during the Edo period, this construction successfully combines the beauty of classical armor with greater structural strength and durability.

Its centerpiece is an outstanding 62-Ken Suji Kabuto, meticulously constructed from sixty-two individually forged and hand-spliced iron plates. Helmets of this complexity required an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, as each narrow plate had to be individually forged, fitted, and riveted together with remarkable precision. The result is one of the most technically demanding and highly regarded forms of Japanese helmet construction.

The practical Nimai-Dō (two-piece cuirass) offers both strength and flexibility, while the deep indigo silk lacing (Kon Ito Odoshi) creates the restrained elegance favored by the Edo-period warrior class. A finely forged iron menpō (face mask) retaining its original horsehair mustache lends the armor a commanding yet dignified expression. Completing the ensemble are substantial ō-sode (shoulder guards), chain-and-plate kote (armored sleeves), haidate (thigh guards), and suneate (shin guards), resulting in a remarkably balanced and visually impressive suit.

One particularly attractive feature is the armor's consistent heraldic decoration. The distinctive Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon (変わり二つ芋柏紋) appears repeatedly throughout the ensemble, adorning the fukigaeshi (helmet turn-backs), the gyōyō (decorative chest fittings), and the metal fittings of the kote (armored sleeves). This careful repetition of the same family crest creates a remarkable sense of unity and elegance.

More importantly, the matching heraldic fittings strongly suggest that the armor was originally commissioned for—and preserved by—a single samurai family, rather than assembled from unrelated components at a later date. Such consistency is highly prized among advanced collectors, significantly enhancing both the historical integrity and the rarity of the complete set. The accompanying appraisal specifically identifies this crest as Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon (変わり二つ芋柏紋).

The tasteful contrast of colors further enhances the armor's visual appeal. The deep indigo body is beautifully complemented by shoulder guards laced with alternating bands of cream, pale blue, soft pink, and dark indigo silk, adding subtle refinement while preserving its unmistakably martial character.

Accompanying the armor is its original gusoku-bitsu (armor storage chest), which retains an attractive period patina and contributes significantly to the completeness, authenticity, and display presence of the ensemble.

Combining a beautifully preserved Kiritsuke-Kozane construction, an exceptionally sophisticated 62-Ken Suji Kabuto, a complete suite of matching components bearing the same family crest, and the prestigious Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō certification, this remarkable gusoku represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a museum-quality example of authentic Japanese samurai armor. Whether displayed in a distinguished private collection, executive office, gallery, or museum, it stands as a powerful testament to the artistry, status, and enduring legacy of Japan's warrior tradition.

A certificate comes with this item. The Tokubetsu Kicho paper certificates granted by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, a.k.a Japan Armor Society. The storage boxes, display stand (new), and all pieces shown in the photos come with.

Please don't hesitate to request additional photos or videos before purchasing this armor.

Also Comes With:
Gunsen folding fan, Wooden Display stand (new)

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