Kuwagata Maedate
 

ERA: Momoyama-Early Edo

STYLE: Kuwagata to tsuki. Antennae and moon.

REGION: likely central Japan

SIGNATURE: None

This is a very high quality large maedate that is composed of three gilt copper pieces riveted together. One important point is that the moon piece and antennae piece are gilt using different compositions of gold. The antennae are gilt with a mostly gold tokin, whereas the moon was gilt, likely with a gold-silver mixture that gives it a whitish color like the moon at night. Uesugi Kagekatsu’s child armor has a very similar maedate. We believe it to date close in period to when that armor had its last restoration which was from late Momoyama-Early Edo. Original high quality maedate from this period in this condition are exceedingly rare. The kabuto is contemporary to the maedate, but is for sale separately.

Size: Max width 23cm Max height 16cm. Opening: 8.5mm wide x 5mm wide

 

SOLD