A koboshi bachi [helmet with small standing rivets] | Signed Saotome Ietada | Edo period, 17th century

The Property of a Gentleman

A koboshi bachi [hellmet with small standing rivets]

Signed Saotome Ietada

Edo period, 17^th century

the sixty-two plate iron bowl with a russet surface, with perfectly formed raised rivets, terminating in a five-stage copper-gilt and silver tehen kanamono, the black lacquer peak with copper-gilt rim, red lacquer underside, the black lacquer turnbacks pierced with three circles, copper-gilt fukurin [ornamental border], the four-tiered black lacquer neck guard with spaced lacing in blue braid, the copper-gilt maedate in the form of three circles, the russet iron mempo [face mask] with deep wrinkles and fierce expression, detachable nose plate, red lacquer interior, three-tiered black lacquer throat protector laced in matching braid

The bowl to peak: 29.5 cm., 11⅝ in.

Accompanied by a certificate of registration as Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo [Especially Important Material], no. 2199 issued by the Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon Kai [Society for the Preservation of Japanese Armour], dated Reiwa 6 (2024).