A complete lacquered Samurai armour comprising: akoda-nari kabuto helmet with itamono-shikoro neck guard, Etchū-bo menpō iron face mask, nuinobe dō torso armour, oda gote vambraces with tekkō gauntlets, sode slightly curved shoulder guards, haidate thigh guards, with fusa-gusari mail and shino-suneate greaves with fusa-gusari mail; inscriptions and numbers are seen to various parts of the armour; accompanied by a traditional pattern wood stand and base box, additionally with an optional purpose-made glazed full height oak display case (this 80cm deep x 70cm wide x 191cm tall). 57 in. (Armour 8.30 kg total (with case, 99 kg total), 145cm tall as displayed).

PROVENANCE:
Acquired from an Essex, UK collector by exchange.
Property of an Essex gentleman.
Accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr. Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11401-191752.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Robinson, R., Oriental Armour, pp.183ff., figs.95 no.12, 96 lett.F, 101, 105 lett.F, pl.XXXII, lett.B., 107; Turnbull, S.,
Samurai Warriors, Poole, 1987; Bryant, A.J., The Samurai, London, 1989; Bryant, A.J., Samurai, 1550-1600, London, 1994, p.54, for a near identical nuinobe dō; Turnbull, S., Samurai Warfare, London, 1996.

FOOTNOTES:
This suit of armour is accompanied by a purpose-made early 20th century oak framed and glazed display cabinet; the successful bidder may freely choose whether or not to have this case included within the purchase and will not be obligated to receive it.