Armor decorated with a pine tree crest

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Titolo dell'opera:

Armor decorated with a pine tree crest

Epoca:

Japan, XVI – XIX century

Inventario:

AA1

Technique and Dimensions:

polymateric

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Descrizione:

On both sides of the helmet flaps and on the shoulder guards, a crest depicting a pine tree (matsu) with three tufts of needles are represented. The helmet is of the kōseizan no kuji type (nine-plate helmet with a high apex), featuring a front decoration with an oni demon head and two oak leaves. The metal visor has a relief engraving of a flying dragon. A "half-mask" covering the lower part of the face is present. The shoulder guards have long, smooth plates and are fully laced; the top plate is decorated with a repoussé floral motif. The cuirass is of the yokohagidō type (horizontal plate cuirass) with embossed dragons and bamboo leaves in parallel rows. The tassets of the skirt match the style of the shoulder guards, while the greaves have a   fabric section decorated with yellow dots within hexagonal cells of the same color, and a section of vertical iron plates, joined by chainmail. The repetition of the decorative elements suggests that all components of the armor were crafted by the same workshop and that the armor was purchased as a complete set by Edoardo Chiossone.