Lot 1271: Suit of Japanese Armor

Constructed primarily from black lacquered metal plates assembled with blue and white cord, with blue/floral pattern backing material, and areas of "tatami" plate and chain protection at the elbows and upper arms and hexagonal plates around the neck and leg areas. A swiveling bracket for a sashimono banner is present on the back, with traditional hanging guards for the shoulders and thighs. The helmet is constructed from 16 plates in the crown, 4 in the neckguard and a one-plate visor, fitted with an ornament of a horned demon, and paired with a menpo-pattern lower faceguard decorated with facial hair and a set of gold lacquered teeth. The set is assembled on a hardwood display stand. The consignor attributes the set to 1850-1875, and the helmet ornament to the 1900s.

Very good overall, with some flaking of the lacquer finish and stains and fraying of the underlying cloth. A few broken sections of cord are visible, particularly around the thigh area.