Full Bear Armor Of A Samurai From The Shuhama Clan - Sengoku Period (1450-1600).

JAPAN - Sengoku Period (11450-1600). Bear Armor. KABUTO (helmet) of wrought iron entirely covered in bear hair, centered with the gilded metal mon of the Shuhama clan and adorned with WAKIDATE depicting bear ears. SHIKORO (neck guard) with four tiers of glossy black lacquered iron and blue silk braiding, the last tier covered in bear hair. MABI SA SHI (visor) of wrought iron covered in bear hair and edged with copper wire. FUKIGAESHI (wings) of glossy black lacquered iron, edged with copper wire and adorned with the gilded metal mon of the Shuhama clan on a nanako background. MEMPO (half-mask of a samurai) in black lacquered wrought iron, with a pronounced chin, movable nose, very full mustache of white horsehair, gilded visible teeth, pierced nostrils, and sweat holes under the chin. YODARE-KAKE (gorget) with five tiers in black lacquered wrought iron and blue silk braiding. DO (breastplate) in wrought iron entirely covered with bear hair. SODE (shoulder guards) with six tiers in glossy black lacquered metal and blue, white, and orange braiding. KOTE (arm guards) in chain mail and lacquered iron plates. KUSAZURI (skirt) and HAIDATE (thigh greaves) with five rows of blue silk braiding, the last row covered with bear hair. Suneate (greaves) made of black lacquered iron plates and kegutsu (shoes) covered in bear hair. Sold with its gusoku bitsu (carrying chest) made of wood and metal reinforcements depicting a house, and with its specially adapted display stand. Dimensions of the armor in a seated position: 166 x 70 x 73 cm. Additional photos and details available upon request. Notes: This armor is particularly heavy because it is fully armored; it appears to have been worn by a high-ranking warlord of the Sengoku period. The fact that it is entirely covered in bear hair gives it a certain rarity. The name of its last owner is Hasayi Riko. It was loaned to the Komaki City Historical Museum; a loan certificate dated February 5, 1969, is included with the armor.