A fine Okegawa-do gusoku [armour] | Momoyama - Edo period, late 16th - early 17th century

A fine Okegawa-do gusoku [armour]

Momoyama - Edo period, late 16^th - early 17^th century

the russet iron saiga-bachi [Saiga school helmet] in zunari form of eight plates with raised rivets, the crown comprising of plates to form a stylised chrysanthemum head, black lacquer fukigaeshi [turnbacks], four tier shikoro [neck guard] with kebiki odoshi [close-laced] in a dark blue braid, the lacquered wood maedate [forecrest] of an onigawara [demon-faced roof tile], the eyes and teeth in gilt, the russet iron mempo with open mouth and broad horse bristle moustache, gilded teeth, five-tier yodare-gake [throat protector], the heavy iron do [cuirass] hinged in two pieces with horizontal plates, applied gilt bonji [sanskrit character], the gilt fukurin imitating cord, six-tier black lacquer sode [shoulder guards], chainmail kote [sleeves], the tekko [gauntlets] with silver maru ni ken katabami mon [encircled sword through creeping wood sorrel crest], six tassets of five-tiered kusazuri [skirt], the lining of the sleeves, underskirt and greaves decorated in gold brocade with scrolling karakusa on a blue ground, the iron shinosunaete [shin guards] with further maru ni ken katabami mon and hinged with riveted butterflies, with sashimono [battle standard] emblazoned with yatagarasu mon [three-legged crow crest], armour box