Full armor bearing the coat of arms of the famous Azai clan
Edo period (1603 – 1868)
The helmet, in a remarkably well-preserved state, is made of black urushi lacquered iron and of the Hineno Zunari Kabuto type.
Its miage-no-shiwa (wrinkles) and uchimayu (eyebrow) decorations in uchidashi (relief) as well as the care taken with the various details make it a rare and qualitative « zunari », having most likely belonged to a high-ranking samurai.
The Shikoro, lacquered in black urushi, is of the « kiritsuke-kozane » type with small fukigaeshi.
The Maedate is also from the Edo period, in gilded lacquered wood, and perfectly adjusted to the attachment of the Kabuto.
This type of Zunari helmet is undoubtedly the most popular among the valiant warriors who fought at the height of the Sengoku jidai (era of civil war during the Muromachi period). The design of these helmets was indeed a work of genius, because their production was made easier while maintaining a reduced weight and protection that had nothing to envy to the « Suji-bachi » type helmets.
The breastplate is of the Nimai-Do type lacquered in black urushi, decorated in gold with the emblem of the Azai clan and made of large strips secured by silk lacing.
The kusazuri are of the kiritsuke-kozane style, as are the Sode (shoulder guards). The state of preservation is excellent with only a few peelings of lacquer due to the ravages of time and variations in temperature and humidity.
The Haidate (thighs) is very interesting because it is not made of leather, but of small iron plates connected together by silk lacing. The weight is therefore quite high but the quality and efficiency are increased tenfold.
The Kote (sleeves) and Suneate (greaves) are made of silk fabric, mesh ribs and black urushi lacquered iron plates, with some decorations especially on the hands.
The Menpo is of the Ressei Nara type, black urushi lacquered and red on the inside. Beautiful work by Uchidashi and special care given to the ears which are well drawn, which makes it an unusual model and of excellent quality.
