13th Jun, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
112
A FINE GOLD-LACQUERED NUINOBE NIMAI DO GUSOKU (ARMOR) WITH A SUJIBACHI KABUTO AND RESSEI MENPO
Sold for €10,400
including Buyer's Premium
Japan, late Edo period (1615-1868)
The gilt-lacquered iron components predominantly laced in orange, mounted on a rich purple and gold brocade, and fitted with intricate gilt kanamono with prunus design as well as kiku (chrysanthemum) mon, the imperial symbol of Japan.
The armor comprising:
A sujibachi kabuto with a thirty-two-plate hachi with raised ridges in gilt, terminating in a five-stage chrysanthemum-form tehen kanamono, the mabisashi with a gently upturned gold fundame rim, flanked by printed-leather fukigaeshi fitted with gilt kiku (chrysanthemum) mon, centered by the gold and red-lacquered wood maedate finely carved as a ferocious dragon flanked by kuwagata fitted on a reticulated kuwagata dai with prunus on scrolling foliage, all above the four-lame gilt-lacquered iron shikoro; a black-lacquered ressei menpo with a stiff mustache and chin tuft, the lips lacquered red and the teeth gold, designed with deeply embossed wrinkles on the cheeks with bent anchoring posts, and a four-lame iron yodarekake with reticulated gilt-metal plaques to the edges; the iyozane nimai yokohagi okegawa do applied to the center with a large openworked gilt-metal floral roundel, above seven five-lame kusazuri with horse-hair trim, the cuirass with three agemaki (decorative tassels); a pair of six-lame sode fitted with prunus-appliqués; a pair of haidate; a pair of iron and kusari (chain mail) kote, tekko, and suneate; and a pair of kegutsu.
Condition: Very good condition with old wear, soiling, and light scratches. Small losses, age cracks, and expected flaking to the lacquer. The iron with areas of corrosion. The maedate with old repairs and touchups.
The kiku mon, or chrysanthemum crest, was a symbol of great importance during the Edo period in Japan, primarily associated with the Imperial family. Its sixteen-petal design became a powerful emblem of the emperor’s authority, representing longevity, rejuvenation, and a divine right to rule. While originally reserved for the Imperial household, the crest's use gradually extended to certain samurai families and government officials, signifying their connection to the Emperor. During this period, the kiku mon was not just a decorative motif but a mark of prestige and loyalty to the ruling power, reinforcing the structured hierarchy of Edo society.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related gold-lacquer nimai okegawa do gusoku, dated 19th-20th century, Edo-Meiji period, at Bonhams, Arts of the Samurai, 21 October 2023, New York, lot 74 (sold for USD 19,200).
Japan, late Edo period (1615-1868)
The gilt-lacquered iron components predominantly laced in orange, mounted on a rich purple and gold brocade, and fitted with intricate gilt kanamono with prunus design as well as kiku (chrysanthemum) mon, the imperial symbol of Japan.
The armor comprising:
A sujibachi kabuto with a thirty-two-plate hachi with raised ridges in gilt, terminating in a five-stage chrysanthemum-form tehen kanamono, the mabisashi with a gently upturned gold fundame rim, flanked by printed-leather fukigaeshi fitted with gilt kiku (chrysanthemum) mon, centered by the gold and red-lacquered wood maedate finely carved as a ferocious dragon flanked by kuwagata fitted on a reticulated kuwagata dai with prunus on scrolling foliage, all above the four-lame gilt-lacquered iron shikoro; a black-lacquered ressei menpo with a stiff mustache and chin tuft, the lips lacquered red and the teeth gold, designed with deeply embossed wrinkles on the cheeks with bent anchoring posts, and a four-lame iron yodarekake with reticulated gilt-metal plaques to the edges; the iyozane nimai yokohagi okegawa do applied to the center with a large openworked gilt-metal floral roundel, above seven five-lame kusazuri with horse-hair trim, the cuirass with three agemaki (decorative tassels); a pair of six-lame sode fitted with prunus-appliqués; a pair of haidate; a pair of iron and kusari (chain mail) kote, tekko, and suneate; and a pair of kegutsu.
Condition: Very good condition with old wear, soiling, and light scratches. Small losses, age cracks, and expected flaking to the lacquer. The iron with areas of corrosion. The maedate with old repairs and touchups.
The kiku mon, or chrysanthemum crest, was a symbol of great importance during the Edo period in Japan, primarily associated with the Imperial family. Its sixteen-petal design became a powerful emblem of the emperor’s authority, representing longevity, rejuvenation, and a divine right to rule. While originally reserved for the Imperial household, the crest's use gradually extended to certain samurai families and government officials, signifying their connection to the Emperor. During this period, the kiku mon was not just a decorative motif but a mark of prestige and loyalty to the ruling power, reinforcing the structured hierarchy of Edo society.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related gold-lacquer nimai okegawa do gusoku, dated 19th-20th century, Edo-Meiji period, at Bonhams, Arts of the Samurai, 21 October 2023, New York, lot 74 (sold for USD 19,200).
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