Hikone Gusoku

ERA: Momoyama-Early Edo Period

SYLE: Namikashira Nari Kabuto Hikone Dou gusoku

REGION: Central Japan

SCHOOL: Haruta school Smith

PROVENANCE: Igyo No Yosoi Special Exhibition – 2002 Catalog Publication


This is a complete armor with a very well known kawari kabuto. This kabuto was displayed in the 2002 “Igyo no Yosoi”, all Japan armor exhibition in Gunma prefecture put on by the Nihon Katchu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon Kai (NKBKHK). Only the kabuto was displayed by the owner because he told me that he had more than one piece in the exhibition and that it was too much of a hassle to bring the complete suit. We are selling the complete suit. The kabuto is known as a Namikashira nari Kabuto which basically means a kabuto in the form of a wave. Before being put on exhibition it was given restoration by Miura sensei, and though the restoration is slightly visible on close inspection it is not very noticeable and the kabuto is in up to date good preserve. The kabuto dates from the Late Momoyama Period through the early Edo, though, it is given a very conservative early Edo period attribution in the Igyo No Yosoi Catalog. The rest of the armor is a red lacquered Iyozane dou gusoku. This particular style is also known as a Hikone Gusoku Because the style of armor was used by retainers of Ii Naomasa, Naotaka, etc. from circa post 1600. The classic red armor was not adopted by the Ii clan until post Sekigahara, though it was definitely in use by the Battle at Osaka castle. This particular armor is an early set dating to before the Battle of Osaka. More pictures and information upon request.
 

Price on Request