Yoroi Samurai Armor Belonging To A Daimyō Of The Kamei Clan, Jūyō Bunka Shiryō

Exceptional Daimyō Armour of the Kamei Clan – Hozumi–Suzuki Lineage, Jūyō Bunka Shiryō We are pleased to offer an exceptionally fine and complete authentic Japanese samurai armour that belonged to a daimyō of the Kamei clan from the Hozumi–Suzuki lineage. The armour dates from the middle Edo period, approximately 1688–1800. The expert assessment records the armour as a kuro-urushi-nuri kiritsuke-kozane kon-ito-odoshi ni-mai-dō gusoku – a suit constructed with black-lacquered kiritsuke-kozane, laced in deep indigo-blue silk and fitted with a two-piece cuirass. The combination of lustrous black lacquer, dark-blue lacing and richly gilt metal fittings creates an exceptionally elegant and commanding ensemble befitting the high social status of its original owner. The focal point of the armour is an impressive, exceptionally finely riveted kabuto with a monumental arrangement of helmet crests. A gilded crescent with a central circular element gives the helmet a distinctive and majestic silhouette. The kabuto is accompanied by an expressively modelled lacquered menpō with an open mouth, strongly defined features and a pale moustache. Another outstanding feature is the large back-mounted sashimono, formed as a tall crescent and attached to a long vertical support. Sashimono served as battlefield identification and as a symbol of the warrior’s identity and status. In this unusually monumental form, it defines the silhouette of the entire armour and further emphasises its daimyō and ceremonial character. The complete ensemble displays an exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship and remarkable attention to detail. The large sode are decorated with gilt ornamental fittings and repeated family crests, or mon. Richly woven sleeves, iron kote, haidate, suneate and the other surviving components form a harmonious and visually impressive suit of armour. Its daimyō provenance, associated with the Kamei clan and the Hozumi–Suzuki lineage, gives the armour considerable historical importance. It is not merely an outstanding example of Japanese armour-making, but an object directly connected with a distinguished feudal family of the Edo period. Of particular significance is the result of the expert assessment conducted by the Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozonkai – The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor. According to the report dated 26 July 2026, reference number 47, the armour was dated to the middle Edo period and classified as Jūyō Bunka Shiryō (重要文化資料 – Important Cultural Material, First Class). This represents the highest level within the organisation’s five-tier certification system and is reserved for objects of exceptional historical importance and outstanding artistic workmanship. The corresponding formal certificate will be issued at the end of September 2026. The combination of daimyō provenance, association with the Kamei clan and Hozumi–Suzuki lineage, monumental sashimono, exceptional artistic quality, completeness and the highest Jūyō Bunka Shiryō classification makes this an extraordinarily rare collector’s piece, ideally suited to a discerning private collection or a prestigious museum display.