Age: Momoyama-Mid Edo.

Details: This is a stunning original Gusoku complete with original Myochin documents and partial lineage. The envelope containing the documents notes the last documented owner as Kagami Urahachiro, July 1906. The documents also contain the following information: "This armor was made sometime between the years 1387-1389 by the 10th descendant of Masuda Myochin Muneyasu who lived in Kyoto. Our analysis indicates the Hachi, Menpo and the Dou likely originated during that time. It was restored and issued documents by Masuda Myochin Munemasa (25th Myochin Master Armorer) in 1750. Once it was restored during the mid Edo period it was updated with features that were more fashionable for the times as was common practice. The kakihan signature of Munemasa is consistent with other authenticated documents issued by Munemasa. His unique red seal is also present. The price of the suit was 25 gold leaves (25 Ryo). The documents note the original owner of the suit as Takeuchi-no-Sukune , a retainer of the Empress Kogo of the Yamato Imperial Court." One of the Edo period owners is listed as Yamawaki Atsunoshin and he lived in Kurume in Fukuoka Prefecture (Kyushu). The Do is an example of a yokohagi okegawa ni-mai style which has been constructed of horizontal plates and hon kozane. The edges of the Do and the Gyoyo have been finished with finely engraved brass fukurin. The original Gyoyo and the top portion of the Do are covered in printed e-gawa doe skin. The Kabuto is composed of 12 plates and the visor edged with engraved fukurin and features a "Kocho" or butterfly family crest. Popular among aristocratic families during the period of civil war in Japan. This crest was granted to the Ikeda family by Oda Nobunaga. The Shikoro trim matches both the Sode, Menpo and the lower lames on the Do. The Kabuto comes with a handcrafted very rare Edo period shachihoko Maedate. A shachihoko is a sea monster, which consists of a tiger head and fish body. No oridinary Samurai would dare have this special of a maedate adorning his Kabuto. A Yadome style Menpo with finely crafted side flanges in a russet iron finish. An original matching pair of Bitsu "armor boxes" with the Kocho family crest is included with the set.

Remarks: This set belonged to a very high ranking Samurai. It would make an attractive addition to any Samurai Armor collection due to its rare documentation. There are a number of small areas of lacquer loss, surface scratches, etc. which in our opinion are commensurate with an item that is hundreds of years old such as this one. Overall the condition is above average and has been finely maintained. Further details or upon request.

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