Myochin Go Mai Do Gusoku Edo

Armour with dragonfly  :menpo signed Myochin ki Munemasa saku; The kote is signed Myochin ki Munechika sakuJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The roiro lacquered iron components mainly laced in blue, mounted on fine blue and gold brocade, and fitted with an intricate gilt metal kanamono with a kiku (chrysanthemum) design, the imperial symbol of Japan, as well as the agehacho ('swallow-tailed butterfly') mon, associated with the Taira clan.The armor comprising:An iron kabuto with a hachi of thirty-six plates with raised ridges terminating in a four-tiered chrysanthemum-shaped tehen kanamono, at the rear an agemaki-no-kan, the broad-brimmed mabisashi centered by a gilt metal maedate in the form of an akitsu ('dragonfly'), flanked by printed leather fukigaeshi and fitted with agehacho (swallow-tailed butterfly) swallowtail) mon, associated with the Taira clan, and laced with an additional one, all above the three-bladed shikoro; an iron menpo with a removable nose plate secured by turning pins, molded with an open mouth revealing the red-lacquered interior, designed with deeply raised wrinkles on the cheek, chinAn iron kabuto with a hachi of thirty-six plates with raised ridges terminating in a four-tiered chrysanthemum-shaped tehen kanamono, at the rear an agemaki-no-kan, the wide-brimmed mabisashi centered by a gilt-metal maedate in the form of an akitsu (dragonfly), flanked by printed leather fukigaeshi and fitted with agehacho ('swallowtail butterfly') mon, associated with the Taira clan, and laced with an additional lame, all above the three-bladed shikoro; An iron menpo with a removable nose plate secured by turning pins, cast with an open mouth revealing the red lacquered interior. The menpo signed Myochin ki Munemasa saku [made by Myochin Munemasal] and the kote signed Myochin ki Munechika saku [made by Myochin Munechikal]. Dragonflies symbolize courage, strength, and victory in Japanese art. They were particularly admired by samurai for their forward flight and were incorporated into the designs of saddles, stirrups, quivers, and the front crests of helmets. Dragonflies are also associated with autumn, representing change and the beauty of nature's cycles. In poetry, especially haiku, they often signify fleeting moments of beauty, reflecting the transient nature of life.