Description:

EDO PERIOD SAMURAI ARMOR
Samurai body armor from the Edo period (1603-1868), consisting of the front and rear upper body armor ("Do") and the shoulder plates ""Sode"). The armor has been identified to the Meada Shogun Family. The Do is comprised of heavily lacquered individual iron plates woven together with silk lacing to provide flexibility. The leather plates bear floral etched brass edges and decorative cherry blossom hardware distinct to the family. The front of the chest armor has two swivel mounts from which decorative tassels were hung. Beneath are suspended two iron thigh plates and a thigh plate, likewise lacquered and woven with silk lacing. They have a lower lacquered plate which also is etched with a floral design. Within, the armor is lined in gold fabric and rice paper. The back armor is much like the front, with etching similar to that found on the front, with four suspended plates protecting the lower back and rear. Also present are two sode shoulder armor plates suspended from the back armor plate. The sode consists of five lacquered armor plates attached to each other by individual iron plates and silk lacing. The inner surface of each plate bears a gold finish, and the lowest plate bears the family crest and a floral design. The armor plates are also attached to a heavy leather neck support that also serves as protection for that area of the body. The suit stands about 31" tall. A few of the lower plates' lacings are broken, and a few careful repairs have been made, otherwise in very good condition, with complete descriptive text. The Edo period marked the governance of the Edo or Tokugawa shogunate, officially established in 1603 and ending with the Meiji Restoration in 1868. As concerns the family crest appearing on this armor, Maeda Toshiie (1539-1599) was one of the leading generals of Oda Nabunaga and the son of Maeda Toshimasa. His highest rank was Grand Counselor Dainagon and all of his sons became daimyo in their own right.

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September 10, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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