Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction

Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction

Lot 144: Japanese Samurai Armor (Yoroi), Mid Edo Period, Ken-suji Kabuto, Complete Suit, 19th Century

2026-04-25T15:00:00Z

Start price: CAD $500

Lot 144:

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Japanese Samurai Armor (Yoroi), Mid Edo Period, Ken-suji Kabuto, Complete Suit, 19th Century

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Start price: CAD $500

Description

A highly refined Japanese samurai armor (yoroi) dating to the mid Edo period (circa 1800), notable for its completeness, strong state of preservation, and distinctive construction details.

The armor features an eight-plate ken-suji kabuto (ridged helmet) surmounted by a brass maedate (frontal crest) and bearing a kamon (family crest). The helmet is paired with a matching menpo (face mask), retaining expressive form and patinated surface.
Particularly notable is the presence of a rare side compartment or pouch, likely intended for small personal or medicinal items—an uncommon and desirable feature.
The accompanying elements are of exceptional quality:
Kote (armored sleeves): finely constructed with textile and iron elements
Haidate (thigh guards): featuring a striking grid or “chocolate-square” plate design
Suneate (shin guards): with detailed ironwork and embossed sakura (cherry blossom) motifs
The cuirass (do) and skirt (kusazuri) are well-matched, with traditional lacing and lacquered plates presenting a cohesive and visually powerful ensemble.
Overall, the armor displays a rich patina and excellent integrity, rarely encountered in examples of this age.
Details
Type: Samurai armor (yoroi)
Origin: Japan
Period: Mid Edo period, circa 1800
Materials: Iron, lacquered plates, textile lacing, brass elements
Helmet: 8-plate ken-suji kabuto with maedate and kamon
Components:
Kabuto (helmet)
Menpo (face mask)
Do (cuirass)
Kote (arm guards)
Haidate (thigh guards)
Suneate (shin guards)
Special Feature: Side compartment/pouch (likely for small objects or medicine)
Display: Stand not included
Condition
Very good condition for age (200+ years). Wear consistent with use and age, including minor losses to lacing and surface patina. Iron and lacquer elements remain well preserved. A notably well-maintained example.