This is a complete gusoku from the early Edo period, attributed to the Saotome School and signed by Ietada on the helmet. It is certified as Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo and features a hoshi-bachi kabuto, nimai-do cuirass, and indigo silk kebiki odoshi lacing. The armor displays remarkable technical and stylistic consistency, making it a historically significant and aesthetically refined example of samurai equipment.
NihontoWatchmei · Saotome · Edo
Tosei-gusoku · Nimai-dō
Full gusoku (complete suit)
Hoshi-bachi
Saotome
Ietada
Signed · On the kabuto bowl
Kebiki-odoshi · Kon (dark blue)
Edo
Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō · Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Especially valuable armour of notably superior workmanship and condition, the third of the five ranks.
Japanese armour is not certified by the NBTHK. The Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (the Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armour), founded in 1961, is the principal body for armour. Its shinsa grades a piece as 資料 (shiryō, "reference material") across five ascending ranks: Hozon, Kichō, Tokubetsu Kichō, Kōshū Tokubetsu Kichō, and the highest, Jūyō Bunka Shiryō. The 資料 framing reflects the society’s purpose of preserving armour as cultural and historical reference, distinct from the NBTHK’s sword paper tiers.
14-day return if items arrive damaged or in unexpected condition; customer bears return shipping + insurance; items returned in original condition with all accessories; antique armour non-returnable; only regular priced items refundable; shipping costs non-refundable.
€35,000
This is a complete gusoku from the early Edo period, attributed to the Saotome School and signed by Ietada on the helmet. It is certified as Tokubetsu Kicho Shiryo and features a hoshi-bachi kabuto, nimai-do cuirass, and indigo silk kebiki odoshi lacing. The armor displays remarkable technical and stylistic consistency, making it a historically significant and aesthetically refined example of samurai equipment.
NihontoWatchmei · Saotome · Edo
Tosei-gusoku · Nimai-dō
Full gusoku (complete suit)
Hoshi-bachi
Saotome
Ietada
Signed · On the kabuto bowl
Kebiki-odoshi · Kon (dark blue)
Edo
Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō · Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Especially valuable armour of notably superior workmanship and condition, the third of the five ranks.
Japanese armour is not certified by the NBTHK. The Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (the Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armour), founded in 1961, is the principal body for armour. Its shinsa grades a piece as 資料 (shiryō, "reference material") across five ascending ranks: Hozon, Kichō, Tokubetsu Kichō, Kōshū Tokubetsu Kichō, and the highest, Jūyō Bunka Shiryō. The 資料 framing reflects the society’s purpose of preserving armour as cultural and historical reference, distinct from the NBTHK’s sword paper tiers.
14-day return if items arrive damaged or in unexpected condition; customer bears return shipping + insurance; items returned in original condition with all accessories; antique armour non-returnable; only regular priced items refundable; shipping costs non-refundable.
€35,000