Luc T

Lukrez, You are looking for a pre edo Ooyoroi? Sorry, not possible. There are very few, and they all are in museums ore temples. There is only one in the west, in the Metropolitan NY. Late edo is possible.

I came across a picture of this beauty! Isn’t this pure art?

Jason, this is made somewhere around the last quarter of the 20th century

A typical modern replica indeed, in a bad state of preservation

An early Yamato kabuto

To me, (one of) the best private collection(s) outside Japan. but I am a little afraid for the preservation of the armors due to al the manipulation necessary for all the worldwide expositions. the solid backbone of this collection is the former collection of the late Jean Saporta, who sold his treasures after having health problems +-15 years ago. A must see for al Samurai enthusiasts.

Old shiinari you have there. Kansai work, maybe Haruta

Dear Brian, yes, the set is 20st century. A popular repro set. Easy to recognise, because there are several popping up from time to time. Nice as a display, but no historical value. in case of historical armors, it is an illusion to do correct restoration yourself, without a serious study of the needed techniques, styles, regions and periods. Also the use of the right materials is paramount. Even choosing the correct size of the silk laces is a serious matter. restoration can easily turn out into destruction.

Was it made for export, or display? Bakumatsu or meiji?

Yves, what I want to say is you have to be cautious all the time. Even a trustworthy dealer can make a mistake

rule Nr 1: gather enough knowledge to judge items, rule Nr2: if you are unsure, ask someone more knowledgeable for help.

hi Yves, something went wrong, can you send me a new message?

Yves, this is indeed a certificate issued by the NKBKHK. The advantage here is that the judges names are on the certificate, so their reputation stand or fall with their judgement. Commercial parties can’t be a judge. You can find more info on our Japanese Armor Society website, the western branch of the NKBKHK: https://www.Japanese...orsociety.com/shinsa

Made for reenactment?

But what are we looking at? a two plate nanban kabuto, with kirigane. the style refers to what the Nagasone made. there is a similar one in the Wakayama Saika exhibition catalogue, described as maybe Saiga, but further than the kirigane, I see no link. later not matching kuwagata dai, (maybe new?) Early edo, probably. nice and interesting kabuto, C- condition.

We are online again, Sorry for the trouble

Hello Piers, we have an issue with the security at the moment. We hope to be back as soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience.

My mother does not allow me to use such words Yojimbo. :-) I would think it’s simply a lack of knowledge.

Yojimbo, you don’t like fish? the shikoro is also new. fishy business.

Probably lacquered afterwards. But a nice find.

Hi Henrik, inform yourself very carefully before you start. Relacing is not as easy as it looks, working with urushi neither. Use real an genuine materials, if you do this good, you will learn a lot.

Indeed an interesting study. Well done.

Hello Anthony, you have an edo kabuto here, made in the style of East Japan, Tohoku. this because the flat top, and de curved plates. the lacquer, mabezashi and tsunamoto however, point in the direction of west Japan, Yamato. this is probably a east and west fusion kabuto, as we find often during the edo period.

I have seldom seen such a fine quality. Ceremonial yes, but top of the top!

Number 7 is ready to be printed!