A tatami gusoku [folding armour] | Edo period, 18th century

A tatami gusoku [folding armour] 

Edo period, 18^th century 

the three plate russet iron bowl in zunari [head-shaped] form, the mabisashi [peak] with hammered brow, small fukigaeshi [turnbacks] with tachibana mon [mandarin flower crest], four-tiered black lacquer and gilded leather shikoro [neckguard] with sugake odoshi [spaced lacing] in dark blue braid, the gold and black lacquer maedae [forecrest] in the form of a yanone [arrowhead] (later in date), the russet iron mempo [face mask] forged in ryubu style with gentle expression and unwrinkled face, open mouth, detachable nose plate, yadome [standing flanges] to the cheeks, red lacquer interior, three-tiered yodaregake [throat protector] in matching braid, the collapsible iron do [cuirass] with a chained panel hammered in uchidashi [repoussé] with clouds, kikko [turtle shell] form plates with blossoms linked by chainmail weave, five-tiered black lacquer sode [shoulder guards], chainmail kote [sleeves] with linen lining, seven tassets of five-tiered kusazuri [skirt], all components laced in matching braid, the haidate [thigh guard] with black lacquer plates on blue brocade, shino suneate [shin guards], with an armour storage box (of later date)

Mounted on the armour storage box: approx. 138 cm., 54⅜ in. high (excluding helmet fittings)

The armour storage box: 51 x 38.5 x 40 cm., 20⅛ x 15⅛ x 15¾ in. 

Please note that the wood armour display stand illustrated is not included in this lot. An armour stand can be ordered from the department.