A HOTOKE-DO GUSOKU [ARMOUR] EDO PERIOD, 18TH CENTURY, THE HELMET 17TH CENTURY |

the helmet is a 17th century sixty-two plate iron sujibachi, with three tiered shikoro, the fukigaeshi with mitsudomoe mon, the two piece cuirass pigeon-breasted, all lacquered in black with gold and silver dragons, the o-sode Muromachi period (16th century), all components with the mistudomoe fuji mon, bishamon suneate, with armour box

Kyoto Arashiyama Museum of Art, Kyoto.

Kyoto Arashiyama Bijutsukan Zohinshu, Tetsu to Urushi no Geijutsu, (Kyoto, 1986), p.20

There is some surface wear to the helmet bowl. The stencilled leather to the peak and turnbacks is well-worn as can be seen from the illustration. The lining of the helmet bowl is in poor condition. There are some old collection numbers to the underside of the peak. The lacquer to the shikiro has been repaired in places. The skirt, brocade is well-worn, frayed and with some losses. The mempo- the moustache is lacking and there are cracks and lacquer losses particularly around the nose. The red lacquer to the interior is in poor condition. Please note all armours by the nature of their use and age have some old wear overall. The armour box has old wear and damage consistent with the age and use of the object.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."