A GOMAI OKEGAWA DO GUSOKU (ARMOR) WITH AN IRON KOBOSHI KABUTO AND RESSEI MENPO
Lot 107 - JPN0625

Japan, 18^th-19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The roiro-lacquered iron iyozane predominantly laced in blue, mounted on an orange and gold brocade, and fitted with intricate gilt-metal kanamono with kiku (chrysanthemum) design, the imperial symbol of Japan, as well as Gohonnhone Oogi (folding fan) mon.

The armor comprising:
A koboshi kabuto with thirty-two plate hachi finished with standing rivets decreasing in size towards the top and mounted with a five-stage chrysanthemum-form tehen kanamono, the mabisashi applied with gilt-lacquered leather and decorated with gold fundame rims, flanked by upturned printed leather fukigaeshi fitted with Gohonnhone Oogi (‘folding fan’) mon, centered by the gilt-metal maedate in the form of a large circular roundel, all above the three lame shikoro; the lacquered iron menpo with a removable nose plate secured by turning pins, cast with an open mouth revealing black lacquered teeth, below a stiff moustache, designed with deeply embossed wrinkles on the cheek, the chin with ase-nagashi, and the cheeks with raised flanges, all fitted with a three-lame yodarekake; the gomai yokohagi okegawa do with seven five-lame kusazuri and three kiku agemaki (decorative tassel) strung from en-suite cord rings; a pair of six-lame sode fitted with a kiku-appliqués adorned with a cord-ring; a pair of haidate; a pair of iron and kusari (chain mail) kote and tekko; and a pair of lacquered iron suneate fitted with an additional lame.

With a wood plaque inscribed, ‘Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the return to the mainland and landing at Sasebo Port following the end of the Greater East Asia War on May 5, 1968 (Showa 43). Received from Mr. Kazuhiko Naruki of Funayama, Oi Town, Ena District, Gifu Prefecture, with family crest. One set of navy-colored plain-laced armor, commonly known as Kanto Gusoku (Kanto-style armor), valued at 570,000 ryo.’

Condition: Very good condition with wear, minor corrosion, and some soiling. The lacquer with flaking, age cracks, and small losses, some with associated touchups. The brocade fabric with small tears and loose threads.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related black-lacquered armor with similar gomai okegawa yokohagi do, dated to the 18^th century, at Bonhams, 14 September 2010, New York, lot 6110 (sold for USD 14,640 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related black-lacquered armor with similar gomai okegawa yokohagi do, dated 18^th-19^th century, mid-late Edo period, at Christie’s, 11 November 2008, London, lot 173 (sold for GBP 8,750 or approx. EUR 18,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).