Yoroi - Byakudan-Nuri

Exceptional Samurai Armour from the Edo Period – Saotome Iesada, Byakudan-nuri and a Rare Tengu Menpō

Exceptionally and authentic Japanese samurai armour

Byakudan-nuri hon-kozane murasaki-ito ki-ito dan-odoshi ni-mai-dō gusoku

Edo period (1603–1868).

The armour is distinguished by its luxurious Byakudan-nuri finish, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique producing a characteristic translucent amber-brown tone with a subtle gold lustre. This sophisticated surface treatment lends the entire ensemble remarkable depth, elegance and a highly representative appearance. This type of lacquering was extremely time-consuming and expensive. Samurai armor with a Byakudan finish was usually only owned by high-ranking samurai, warlords (daimyōs), and wealthy clan leaders. The armor was not only intended to demonstrate prestige and wealth on the battlefield, but the reflections of gold under the lacquer were also intended to have a psychological effect on the enemy.

A particularly important feature is the kabuto koboshi signed by the armourer Saotome Iesada, associated with the celebrated Saotome school, whose masters were especially renowned for the exceptional quality of their samurai helmets.

The armour is further enhanced by an extremely rare and dramatically modelled tengu menpō, distinguished by its characteristic elongated nose. Masks of this type survive in considerably smaller numbers than conventional menpō and are highly desirable among collectors of Japanese arms and armour.

The ensemble presents a harmonious and authentic appearance, with an attractive historic patina consistent with its age. The combination of the rare tengu menpō, refined byakudan-nuri lacquer and signed Saotome Iesada kabuto makes this an exceptional collector’s piece suitable for a discerning private collection or a prestigious museum-style display.