Description
About US:
Our photographs are taken without retouching or photoshop to ensure that the customer can judge the reality of the object. Thanks to a constant work directly with the best collectors, museums and galleries in Japan and friendship with them, along with a profit margin much lower than the European competition we can offer objects so that many people can choose to have authentic pieces with hundreds of years at more than competitive prices. After all, samurai art is our passion and we want to share it with the world.
About The armor:
It Comes with certificate of SupeinNihonto.
ITEM:
Tōsei gusoku with embroidered stylized Japanese tiger (tora-e) and suji-bachi kabuto with crescent moon
This Edo-period samurai armor represents a refined and visually commanding tōsei gusoku set. Its most striking feature is the embroidered Japanese tiger (tora-e) on the dō, crafted in metallic thread, combined with a powerful suji-bachi kabuto topped by a large crescent moon maedate. The ensemble is both martial and artistic, projecting authority and elegance.
Historical and aesthetic overview
The armor embodies the martial aesthetics of the Edo period: strength, spiritual protection, and visual identity.
The crescent moon maedate—strongly associated with warlords such as Date Masamune—enhances presence and charisma.
The embroidered tiger reinforces the warrior’s role and status.
This tiger is not a naturalistic depiction; it is a stylized Japanese tiger, reflecting the artistic tradition known as tora-e. Because artists in Edo Japan had no access to real tigers, they relied on Chinese paintings, imported scrolls, and occasional preserved skins. As a result, their tigers featured:
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expressive oversized eyes
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compact, rounded bodies
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exaggerated whiskers
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imaginative proportions
The embroidery on the dō matches this exact stylistic language, perfectly consistent with Edo-period iconography and adding significant historical value.
The deep black lacquer, harmonious odoshi in cream, black and purple, and the finely engraved gold on the kabuto brim demonstrate highly skilled craftsmanship.
Technical analysis by component
Kabuto (helmet)
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Type: Suji-bachi kabuto made of multiple vertical plates.
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Maedate: imposing golden crescent moon with natural patina.
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Fukigaeshi: dark lacquered, featuring a geometric clan mon.
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Mabizashi (visor): decorated with engraved gold patterns, a high-quality detail.
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Shikoro: dark lacquered plates with cream and purple odoshi, well preserved.
Menpō (mask)
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Ressei menpō with fierce expression and applied moustache.
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Realistically sculpted teeth.
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Tare fully intact.
Dō (cuirass)
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Type: Okegawa dō with horizontal lames.
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Decoration: stylized Japanese tiger (tora-e) embroidered in metallic thread with layered shading and sculpted eyes.
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Represents the classical Edo approach to imagined tigers: expressive eyes, compact posture, aggressive facial features.
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Rare and highly desirable feature.
Sode (shoulder guards)
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Large, black lacquered, with cream and purple odoshi.
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Excellent structural condition.
Kote (arm defenses)
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Chain-and-plate kote with decorative iron reinforcements.
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Textile and lacquer in superb condition.
Haidate (thigh guards)
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Small lacquered plates attached by dark odoshi.
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Flexible and well preserved.
Suneate (shin guards)
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Vertical lacquered plates with solid straps.
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Functional and stable.
Original armor box (gusoku bitsu)
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Antique wooden box with iron fittings.
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Features a partially preserved geometric gold motif.
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Works as an elegant display base.
Condition report
The entire set remains exceptionally complete, with original lacquer, tight odoshi, authentic patina and no intrusive modern restoration.
The embroidered tiger decoration is rare and enhances the artistic value significantly.
Historical and collector value
This armor excels through:
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Unique and powerful iconography (stylized tiger + crescent moon)
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Homogeneous and visually balanced construction
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High-quality lacquer, odoshi and engraved details
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Inclusion of original armor box
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Museum-level presence
In short, a high-grade Edo armor, visually captivating and historically significant, ideal for advanced collectors.
An authentic samurai armor that will be the central focus of any room where it is placed and that will delight any fan of Japanese art. This exclusive piece is making it an incredible opportunity for any collector of Japanese, war or simply historical art to get their hands on a piece that will attract attention wherever it is displayed, from offices, to private homes, offices or restaurants and will give a regal look to any place. The armour has gilded details that show the quality of the piece. The incredible workmanship accentuates such ornate pieces as the kabuto, the mempo and the Do. The stand to assemble it and the box are included. This armour is sure to delight any collector of Asian art and will be the focal point of any visitor’s home, shop or office. There is a very ancient object and there are damaged by time and tears. Due to the delicacy of continuous assembly and disassembly, returns are not allowed on old armor.
