A FINE MINIATURE YOROI (ARMOR) FOR THE TANGO NO SEKKU FESTIVAL
Lot 113 - JPN0625

Japan, 19^th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912)

Constructed in the same manner as a full-sized armor with gilt-lacquered iron kozane predominantly laced in orange, mounted on a red and russet-orange brocade, and fitted with intricate gilt-metal kanamono with prunus and kiku (chrysanthemum) design.

The armor comprising:
A sujibachi kabuto with a twenty-plate hachi finished with lacquered-gilt standing rivets and reticulated shinodare to the front, back, and sides extending from the four-stage chrysanthemum-form tehen kanamono rising from a reticulated roundel worked with kiku blossoms borne on scrolling vines, the mabisashi and fukigaeshi with printed leather and fitted with appliqués, the fukigaeshi further fitted with gilt-metal kiku (chrysanthemum) blooms in a swirl, centered by a large maedate in the form of a white moon rabbit with luminous red eyes flanked by kuwagata fitted on a kuwagata dai applied with kiku blossoms, all above the three-lame gilt-lacquered iron shikoro; the iron menpo cast with an open mouth and a stiff moustache, designed with deeply embossed wrinkles on the cheek, fitted with a four-lame yodarekake; the do with six four-lame kusazuri and three foliate agemaki (decorative tassel) strung from en-suite cord rings; a pair of six-lame sode fitted with prunus-appliqués adorned with a cord-ring to each side; a pair of haidate; a pair of iron and kusari (chain mail) kote and tekko fitted with the kiku appliques to the back of the hand, and a pair of lacquered iron suneate.

HEIGHT 120 cm (mounted on box and stand)

Condition: Good condition with wear, soiling, and corrosion. The lacquer with age cracks, flaking, and losses. The brocade fabric with loose threads. Old repairs to the maedate.

Traditionally, 'Children's Day' is celebrated in Japan on 5th May. The Tango-no-Sekku, or Boys' Festival is marked by special customs and observances focusing on the healthy growth and development of young boys. During the 17th century, samurai families used to display a set of helmet and armor, weapons and banners outdoors on the Tango-no-Sekku Festival, designated as an important ceremonial day by the Edo Shogunate Government. Later in the Edo period, these items, except for the banners, were moved indoors and displayed in rooms facing the street. The armors gradually became miniaturized, thus keeping splendid decorations on, as such armors and helmets were also to display the prosperity of their household.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related miniature suit of armor, dated to the Meiji period, 77 cm high (mounted on box and stand), at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 180 (sold for EUR 18,200).