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Item Location SAMURAI STORE Tokyo

Item# D267
Antique suit of armor late Edo period w/ Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō Certificate

A stunning antique armor on display at SAMURAI STORE TOKYO 

Antique Samurai Armor with Gilded Deer-Antler wakidate horsns, from mid Edo period.

Japan Armor Society Tokubetsu Kichō Certified

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

Iron Sabiji Lacquered Okegawa-Gawa Nimai-Do Gusoku

Period: Mid-Edo Period (17-18th Century)

Certification: Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo (Specially Precious Reference Material), Certificate No. 2483

Issued by: The Japanese Armor and Arms Preservation Society (Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon Kai)

Overview

An impressive and richly ornamented suit of authentic Japanese samurai armor dating to the mid-Edo period, distinguished by its magnificent 64-handspliced plate helmet, elegant gilded details, and striking deer-antler ornaments.

This armor has been officially authenticated and designated Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo (Specially Precious Reference Material) by the Japanese Armor and Arms Preservation Society, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

The combination of dark iron surfaces, warm golden accents, and carefully executed decorative metalwork gives the armor a dignified and commanding appearance, reflecting the refined aesthetic traditions of the samurai class during the Edo period.

The Kabuto – 64-Plate Suji Kabuto

The centerpiece of this armor is its beautifully constructed 64-plate suji kabuto, a traditional Japanese helmet formed from sixty-four individual iron plates, creating a series of finely defined vertical ridges.

The helmet features decorative fukurin (metal edging) that enhances its elegant construction and provides a striking contrast against the dark iron surface.

Its most distinctive feature is the pair of large, upward-sweeping wooden wakidate (side ornaments), fashioned to resemble deer antlers. Their graceful, branching silhouettes give the helmet a powerful and immediately recognizable character.

Between these ornaments sits a brass maedate (front crest) incorporating a crescent-moon-inspired design. Its warm metallic finish beautifully complements the golden tones of the antlers and helmet fittings.

The combination of deer antlers and celestial imagery creates a dramatic yet harmonious composition, expressing the individuality and artistic sophistication characteristic of Japanese samurai armor.

Heraldic Family Crests – Maru ni Kuginuki Mon

The helmet's fukigaeshi (turnbacks) are decorated with the Maru ni Kuginuki Mon, a traditional Japanese family crest depicting a square nail-puller plate enclosed within a circle.

This distinctive heraldic design was historically used by several prominent samurai families, including the Ogyu-Matsudaira clan, lords of the Funai Domain in Bungo Province, the Otawara clan of Shimotsuke Province, and the Suganuma clan.

The kuginuki (nail-puller) motif was traditionally associated with martial strength and victory, partly through a Japanese wordplay connecting kuginuki with the conquest of nine castles.

Although the original ownership of this particular armor has not been established, its clearly identifiable family crests provide a fascinating connection to the heraldic traditions of Japan's feudal warrior class.

The Nimai-Do and Decorative Metalwork

The armor features a traditional nimai-do (two-piece cuirass), constructed in front and rear sections.

Its dark lacquered iron surfaces are enriched with delicate decorative metalwork featuring engraved ornamental patterns, providing an attractive contrast between the functional construction and the refined craftsmanship of the armor.

Particularly noteworthy is the continuation of decorative metalwork onto the haidate (thigh guards), creating visual harmony between the upper and lower sections of the suit.

The combination of dark lacquer, golden fittings, and carefully arranged lacing gives the armor a sophisticated appearance without excessive ornamentation.

These details reflect the importance placed upon both craftsmanship and visual presentation in samurai armor of the Edo period.

Historical Significance and Certification

During the Edo period (1603–1868), samurai armor continued to serve as an important symbol of military status, hereditary identity, and the traditions of Japan's warrior class.

Although the country experienced a long period of relative peace, armor-making remained a highly respected craft. Skilled armorers preserved traditional construction techniques while incorporating elaborate decorative elements that expressed the tastes and standing of their patrons.

This example represents that tradition particularly well, combining the technically demanding construction of a 64-plate helmet with distinctive heraldic and ornamental features.

The armor is accompanied by an official Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo (Specially Precious Reference Material) certificate, No. 2483, issued by the Japanese Armor and Arms Preservation Society on July 26, 2026.

The certificate identifies the armor as a mid-Edo-period work and provides valuable documentary support for its historical attribution.

Collector's Highlights

• Authentic mid-Edo-period Japanese samurai armor

• Official Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo certification

• Finely constructed 64-plate suji kabuto

• Decorative metal edging (fukurin)

• Impressive wooden deer-antler-style wakidate

• Distinctive brass crescent-moon-inspired maedate

• Family crests displayed on the helmet's fukigaeshi

• Decorative metalwork on both the two-piece cuirass and thigh guards

• Elegant contrast of dark iron, lacquer, and golden ornamentation

An attractive example of Edo-period samurai craftsmanship, distinguished by its elaborate helmet construction, commanding deer-antler ornaments, and refined decorative metalwork.

This armor is particularly appealing to collectors seeking an authentic Japanese suit of armor with distinctive visual character and formal authentication.

Also Comes With:
Wooden Display stand (new)

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