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Proudly listed by: Samurai Store, Inc. JAPAN 3-5 weeks for the export permit to be granted.We Ship Worldwide via UPS or DHLItem Location SAMURAI STORE Tokyo
Item# DN02Antique suit of armor Edo Shogun period w/ Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō Certificate
A stunning antique armor on display at SAMURAI STORE TOKYO 
Antique Mid-Edo Period Samurai Armor

Black-Lacquered Iron Kiritsuke-Kozane Nimai-Dō Gusoku with Indigo Silk Lacing
Certified Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō ( Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Certification )
The Second-Highest Certification Awarded by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society
This exceptional suit of authentic Japanese samurai armor is a superb example of mid-Edo period craftsmanship (18th century). Preserved as a complete Tōsei Gusoku, it embodies the refinement, practicality, and quiet elegance that characterized the equipment of high-ranking samurai during Japan's long era of peace.
Most notably, this armor has been awarded the prestigious Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō ( Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Certification ) certification by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society. This is the second-highest level of certification currently granted by the organization, surpassed only by Important Cultural Material. Such recognition is reserved for armor of exceptional historical, artistic, and documentary importance, placing this example among the finest authenticated samurai armors available on today's international market.The armor is constructed in black-lacquered iron Kiritsuke-Kozane, a sophisticated style in which larger iron scales are individually shaped to faithfully reproduce the elegant appearance of traditional kozane lamellar armor. Highly refined during the Edo period, this construction successfully combines the beauty of classical armor with greater structural strength and durability.
Its centerpiece is an outstanding 62-Ken Suji Kabuto, meticulously constructed from sixty-two individually forged and hand-spliced iron plates. Helmets of this complexity required an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, as each narrow plate had to be individually forged, fitted, and riveted together with remarkable precision. The result is one of the most technically demanding and highly regarded forms of Japanese helmet construction.
The practical Nimai-Dō (two-piece cuirass) offers both strength and flexibility, while the deep indigo silk lacing (Kon Ito Odoshi) creates the restrained elegance favored by the Edo-period warrior class. A finely forged iron menpō (face mask) retaining its original horsehair mustache lends the armor a commanding yet dignified expression. Completing the ensemble are substantial ō-sode (shoulder guards), chain-and-plate kote (armored sleeves), haidate (thigh guards), and suneate (shin guards), resulting in a remarkably balanced and visually impressive suit.
One particularly attractive feature is the armor's consistent heraldic decoration. The distinctive Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon ( Changed two potatoes. ) appears repeatedly throughout the ensemble, adorning the fukigaeshi (helmet turn-backs), the gyōyō (decorative chest fittings), and the metal fittings of the kote (armored sleeves). This careful repetition of the same family crest creates a remarkable sense of unity and elegance.
More importantly, the matching heraldic fittings strongly suggest that the armor was originally commissioned for—and preserved by—a single samurai family, rather than assembled from unrelated components at a later date. Such consistency is highly prized among advanced collectors, significantly enhancing both the historical integrity and the rarity of the complete set. The accompanying appraisal specifically identifies this crest as Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon ( Changed two potatoes. ).
The tasteful contrast of colors further enhances the armor's visual appeal. The deep indigo body is beautifully complemented by shoulder guards laced with alternating bands of cream, pale blue, soft pink, and dark indigo silk, adding subtle refinement while preserving its unmistakably martial character.
Accompanying the armor is its original gusoku-bitsu (armor storage chest), which retains an attractive period patina and contributes significantly to the completeness, authenticity, and display presence of the ensemble.
Combining a beautifully preserved Kiritsuke-Kozane construction, an exceptionally sophisticated 62-Ken Suji Kabuto, a complete suite of matching components bearing the same family crest, and the prestigious Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō certification, this remarkable gusoku represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a museum-quality example of authentic Japanese samurai armor. Whether displayed in a distinguished private collection, executive office, gallery, or museum, it stands as a powerful testament to the artistry, status, and enduring legacy of Japan's warrior tradition.
Provenance

According to the account provided by the armor’s former owner, this gusoku was handed down for generations in Kumamoto within the former Hosokawa domain. It is said to have belonged to a family that served the Kumamoto domain as official physicians to the Hosokawa clan, in whose care the armor was respectfully displayed and carefully preserved.
The armor was reportedly later taken to the Tsurusaki area of present-day Ōita Prefecture, historically associated with the Kumamoto domain and used as a departure point for the Hosokawa lord and his retinue when traveling by gozabune, or official state barge, as part of the sankin-kōtai procession to Edo. At that time, the armor is said to have been entrusted or transferred to a close acquaintance in Ōita, where it remained for many years, carefully displayed and preserved in remarkably fine condition.
This traditional provenance is especially compelling when considered alongside the repeated Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa family crest found on the helmet, gyōyō, and kote fittings. Together, these elements provide an evocative connection to the armor’s history within the former Hosokawa domain and enhance its appeal as a complete, carefully preserved samurai ensemble.
*This provenance is based on the history communicated by the former owner and is presented as traditional family provenance rather than independently documented attribution.
A certificate comes with this item. The Tokubetsu Kicho paper certificates granted by The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor, a.k.a Japan Armor Society. The storage boxes, display stand (new), and all pieces shown in the photos come with.Please don't hesitate to request additional photos or videos before purchasing this armor.

This armor comes with a 2nd highest Certificate of The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor - Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō
Specifications

Period: Mid Edo Period (18th Century)

Type: Tōsei Gusoku (Complete Samurai Armor)

Construction: Black-Lacquered Iron Kiritsuke-Kozane Nimai-Dō

Helmet: 62-Ken Suji Kabuto, meticulously constructed from 62 individually forged and hand-spliced iron plates

Lacing: Indigo Silk (Kon Ito Odoshi)

Face Mask: Iron Menpō with Original Horsehair Mustache

Family Crest: Matching Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon ( Changed two potatoes. ) appearing consistently on the helmet fukigaeshi, gyōyō, and kote fittings, underscoring the armor's originality and historical unity.

Includes: Original Gusoku-Bitsu (Armor Storage Chest)

Certification: Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō ( Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Certification ) issued by the Japanese Armor Research & Preservation Society—the second-highest certification currently awarded by the organization, recognizing armor of exceptional historical and artistic significance.

Highlights

Authentic Mid-Edo Period (18th Century) Samurai Armor

Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Shiryō Certification (Second-Highest Rank)
Complete Kiritsuke-Kozane Nimai-Dō Gusoku

Exceptional 62-Ken Suji Kabuto of finely forged multi-plate construction
Matching Kawari Futatsu Imogashiwa Mon throughout the armor
Original Gusoku-Bitsu included
Museum-quality display with outstanding historical integrity and collector appeal

Also Comes With: Wooden Display stand (new)

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Brand:SAMURAI STORESKU:DN02Tags:antique, armor, life-size, samuraistore-tokyo, tokyo