DESCRIPTION

This particular armor received Tokubetsu papers from the NKBKHK (Nippon Kachu Bugu Kenkyu Hozon Kai) in 2004's shinsa. Unfortunately the papers disappeared in transit ($400 down the drain).   The condition of this armor is overall excellent with a few chips in the lacquer here and there, which is to be expected for an armor of this age. This particular type of armor is called “Hotoke Hishitoji Dou Gusoku” . Hotoke in armor studies generally refers to a suit of armor that has a smooth surface on the dou kind of like a Buddha’s belly. Hishitoji refers to the fact that either horizontal or vertical pieces of iron have been riveted together and then covered with some kind of material usually consisting of lacquer and other materials so as to make the do appear flat and smooth.  For decorative and strengthening purposes a cross pattern lacing was laced through drilled holes on the dou before it was covered in lacquer. This type of dou was most popular in the Momoyama period. This type of armor was popular, particularly in Western Japan and was used by many famous daimyo including Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  It was common for this type of dou to be covered with a painting or decoration.

The term gusoku has two meanings.  In armor study it has the simple meaning; “suit of armor”.  For example, namban dou gusoku which means “suit of armor which has a dou of foreign influence, or ni mai dou gusoku which means simply, “suit of armor that has a dou of two pieces”. There is also another meaning for the word gusoku which means “complete”. This useage and particular meaning should not be applied to armor, nor does it mean that an armor is perfectly matching. Therefore, if you see somebody offering a gusoku for sale they are simply offering a suit of armor.  Whether or not it is actually a matching suit of armor should be mentioned in the description.

Kabuto

The kabuto is of the hineno zunari type. This type of helmet is constructed of large solid plates of steel that have been riveted together. The shikoro (neck guard) on a Hineno style zunari kabuto is distinct in that it contours the shoulders of the wearer, as opposed to an Etchu zunari kabuto which is traditionally flat.  Also the top plate of the hachi (bowl) of a hineno style kabuto is overlapped by the visor plate whereas the top plate on an Etchu style kabuto overlaps the visor plate. The lacquer of this kabuto is russet color and is very thick. There are several chips in the lacquer of this kabuto on the hachi and on the bottom lame of the shikoro. This is to be expected from something of this age though and the chips are not very noticeable because underneath the metal is russet colored and they blend in.  It is in general very good condition. The shape of this kabuto is what one would expect from the Momoyama period being small and slightly high. The underside of the visor is lacquered black, not red, black being generally indicative of an older piece. The style of the shikoro is also an older style, having no fukigaeshi (turn backs on the top plate of the neck guard). The lacing pattern is indicative of the Momoyama period as well being of an unusual pattern of spaced kebiki pattern which matches the lacing pattern of the kusazuri as well. The inside of the kabuto has an in-tact liner that I have not removed to look inside for a signature so I do not know if it has one. The maedate (decorative crest) is a very early copper piece with a dark patina.   It fits onto a single post on the front visor plate of the hachi.

Hambo (Lower face protector)

The Hambo or hampo lacquered with matching lacquer to the kabuto and dou. This hampo like the rest of the armor is of a style that is particularly indicative of the Momoyama period having a pointy chin with vertical standing plates running up the cheeks. The inside is lacquered black (not red) and the outside is lacquered russet. There is one chip in the chin of the hampo however it is hard to notice because underneath it is russet colored, please look at the pictures carefully.  It is laced in blue sugake pattern to match the shikoro of the kabuto and the kusazuri of the dou. The yodare kake or throat guard is three plates of iron covered in russet lacquer on the outside and black lacquer on the inside.

Dou (curiass)

The dou is of a type called Hotoke Hishitoji which has been explained above.  It is lacquered and laced to match the kabuto an mempo perfectly.  Not mentioned above are a copule of the technical aspects of this dou which are indicators of an early piece.  First of all the muneita (top of chest plate) is low and gently rounded as opposed to later works. Under the arm of the dou the plates known as waki ita are connected to the dou itself and are straight across the underarm and rise up very high in the front and the back. For this type of dou, this is an indicator of a very old piece. The kusazuri (tassets which hang from the dou) are laced directly to the dou with the top level of lacing being kebiki and the following layers being spaced kebiki. The kusazuri are arranged into six groups of four plates making a total of twenty four kusazuri plates. The individual plates are made of leather that has been backed by an iron band to give support and added protection. On the back of the dou is an attachment for a sashimono (heraldic flag) which would have allowed the bearer to distinguish himself from his foe on the battlefield. This particular attachment allows for a circular support pole which is also more common in Momoyama period armors.

Sode (Shoulder protectors)

The Sode are classic examples of early Momoyama style. They are called roku mai sugake otoshi itamono sode - Six plate sode laced in the sugake laced pattern. They are lacquered mottled black in near perfect condition. They are small and utilitarian, and very light weight hard steel. A very important thing to mention is that the sode match the sangu(shin, arm, and thigh protectors) and the rest of the armor perfectly. It is also important to note that an indicator of age is apparent with the sode, in one place where a chip has come off and one can see that the present lacquer is not original to this armor. It is possible to discern a portion of exposed kimpaku oshi (gold appliqué) finish underneath the present lacquer. The kinpaku oshi style was particularly popular in the Momoyama period. The sode have been sewn to the fabric in conjunction with the kote (chainmail arm protectors) so it is not possible to photograph the back side of the sode separately.

Sangu (three armors – arm, thigh and shin protectors)

The sangu of this armor are relatively old - for sangu.  I have seen hundreds of sangu over the years and have only had the privilege of seeing a single piece older than these. The indicator that these are old (and that they are contemporaneous and matching) is in the chainmail. The chainmail is of the style having a pattern composed of two gauges and shapes of iron links; one being circular and one being ovular. The haidate (thigh protectors),kote (arm protectors), and suneate (shin protectors) all have the same type of mail.  The overall condition of these pieces is excellent.  Please note that while the fabric on all of these pieces matches,  it is most likely a fairly modern replacement made from Edo period fabric.