any details about this armour particularly the maedate?

[toddp]

Evening everyone!

I have joined this forum hoping to garner some knowledge and insight into a set of armour a workmate has aquired. Im the first to admit my level of knowledge about this particular area is seriously lacking and hoped someone amongst you may have some insight and perhaps give me some details regarding this armour...in particular the maedate..it is supposed to be mid to late edo period however the maedate is perhaps newer? Each piece of armour is signed with the same kanji which is included in the pictures if anyone could translate? I have only the following pictures until it arrives as it has been boxed for moving.

Thanks in advance and thanks for having me!

Regards

Todd

[toddp]

Extra images showing menpo and the signed kanji common to all pieces

Regards

Todd

[kusunokimasahige]

Maedate is a Buddhist symbol.

 

Whether or not it is period and the armor was worn by Sohei is another thing altogether.

[uwe]

Hi Todd,

In most cases this kanji are storage marks (numbers) or markings for help assembling the single parts to a complete gusoku. I have a menpo bearing similar signs on the tare in shu urushi (red lacquer).

Uwe

 

PS: What do you want to know about this armor?

[toddp]

Oh ok.. A Buddhist symbol..had not seen a maedate featuring that symbol anywhere and it had me stumped..thank you! The seller had stated he believed the maedate was a later addition to the set.

Uwe..thanks very much for the info re kanji! I guess id really like an opinion on the completeness and period of the set? Was sold as a complete matching mid to late Edo period Armour with no additions..does this appear to be the case from the pictures I can provide? Is there anything particular that points to this in style or build? It seems a very basic kabuto and not everyones cup of tea but something appeals to me about the entirety..

[estcrh]

I guess id really like an opinion on the completeness and period of the set? Was sold as a complete matching mid to late Edo period Armour with no additions..does this appear to be the case from the pictures I can provide?

You will need more detailed images showing all of the associated parts before anyone can tell you if it is a matching armor. The present images are very blurry, check to see if the backing cloth of the suneate (shin armor), haidate (thigh armor) and kote (armored sleeves) is the same, and if the kusari (mail) is the same every were, also the odoshi (lacing) should be the same type on all parts.

[toddp]

Thank you Eric for the advice..once it is unboxed ill head round and have a closer inspection and will take some detailed shots of the various pieces.

[uwe]

What one can say for sure is, that the menpo (mask) is a "Nara-men" of "ressei" type.

Uwe

 

PS: Waiting for better pics

[IanB]

Todd, Do not attach any importance to the maedate - they were always rather ephemeral and few armours retain the crests used by their original owners. Look upon it as a bonus since so many armours have lost their crests entirely. As has been said, the number inside the dou of your armour is probably just for identification or 'stock control'. I was going to say that a very good way of deciding whether the parts of an armour belong together or not is to look at the variegated braid that normally borders each item - then I noticed yours doesn't have any. Take Eric's advice and look at the cloth, braid and the lacquering as well, but make allowances for it having perhaps stood with one side facing a window or some other factor that might have caused fading or change of colour.

Ian Bottomley

[Baka Gaijin]

Good afternoon Hen Jan

 

Which Buddhist symbol is the Maedate representing please.

 

Cheers

[Justin Grant]

I am guessing the numbers read 千　二十八　1028

[toddp]

Thank you Ian and Uwe..as soon as it arrives in state ill take some higher quality images for you guys to take a look at for me..appreciate the responses!

Regards

Todd