JAPANESE ARMOR

JAPANESE ARMOR
Japanese body armor ca. 17th-18th century. The torso of the bears a hinge on the left side with two loops fitted on the right to secure the armor to the wearer's body. Front and back are each clamshell-like solid pieces with decorative rivets, the front bearing six rows of decorative blue lacing. The apron beneath is comprised of three vertical rows of four ribbed panels each, the panels constructed of lacquered material with metal strips within for rigidity. Shoulder armor is comprised of seven narrow rows of lacquer-covered iron, the last scale painted gold. Cloth arms bear chain mail protection to the elbow, beneath which are five vertical metal strips which in turn terminate in more chain mail and a steel covering for the top of each hand. Also present is an apron with two sets of four rows of lacquered scales, the apron held with string tied about the waist, along with a set of leg armor, each having three vertical pieces of painted iron stitched to a padded cloth backing. Lacquered helmet has four hemispherical hanging scales on the reverse, three in front beneath the protective face mask. Paint is chipping on some of the shoulder armor, and there are a few cracks to the surface of the chest armor, the rear of the chest armor shows some restoration. Some lacing has been replaced, as one would expect. Overall very good. Sold with the warrior's original box used to transport the armor, still bearing identification marks.