Item Report
Edo Period Japanese Samurai Lamellar Iron Armor
By: Unknown (traditional armorer, Japan)
Style: Edo Period Samurai Armor
Origin: Japan
Materials: Iron, lacquer, silk cord, leather
Age: circa 18th-early 19th century (Edo Period, 1603–1868)
Condition: Very Good (original lacquer, moderate age-related wear, no significant modern repairs visible)
Value: $25,000–$60,000
Maker's Marks / Writing: No visible maker's marks or inscriptions seen in the primary image; these sometimes appear on the inside of the cuirass or kabuto.
Date: 2025-06-10 15:14:24.714609
Description:
A suit of Japanese Samurai armor featuring lamellar iron plates laced together with silk cord, lacquered for both protection and display. The set includes a kabuto (helmet) with large side flaps, a menpo (facial mask), cuirass, sode (shoulder guards), kote (armored sleeves), haidate (thigh protection), and suneate (shin guards). The colors are predominantly brown and rust-red, secured with orange and cream lacing, characteristic of the Edo period. This armor exemplifies traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the social status of the samurai class during the 17th-19th centuries.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A well-preserved example of Edo period Japanese Samurai armor, notable for its original lacing, lacquered iron lamellae, and completeness. Highly collectible due to the authenticity of materials and the presence of all major components. Some minor wear consistent with age, but no obvious modern restoration visible in the image.
Individual Images:
whole item
Provenance:
No provenance documentation included in the image.
Condition:
Very Good (original lacquer, moderate age-related wear, no significant modern repairs visible)
Identification Score: 98%
The piece's construction, design, lacing technique, and full complement of armor components correspond to well-documented Edo period Japanese Samurai lamellar armors. The coloration, helmet, mask, and style are distinctive and authoritative.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The materials, lacquer finish, and aging of the cords and leather strongly suggest authenticity. Some elements may possibly have experienced later re-lacing or minor restoration, which is common in surviving armors, but the overall form and detail reflect true Edo period craftsmanship.
Image Memory Note
The object is a full suit of Japanese Samurai lamellar armor, displayed on a stand. The armor includes a dome-shaped kabuto helmet with multi-plate construction, large side flaps, and a wakidate (crest), as well as a menpo face mask with prominent nose and teeth. The cuirass and skirt, along with shoulder guards, thigh, and shin protection, are made from small laced iron/steel plates lacquered in brown/black and interlaced with orange, tan, and rust cord. No visible inscriptions or maker's marks are apparent on the outer surfaces. The armor shows some lacquer chipping on the iron plates and minor fraying on some cords and silk, consistent with Edo-period examples. No obvious modern modifications, repairs, or reproductions cues are visible. No visible background artifacts or provenance documents are present.
Keywords
Edo period, Samurai armor, lamellar, kabuto, menpo, Japanese antiques, Japan
Comparables (Similar Items)
No archived comparables matched this report yet.
Share: