Age: Momoyama Period. circa 1573-1603
Historical: Research indicates that this suit belonged to a Daimyo or other high ranking Samurai of the Akutagawa Clan. Two Daimyo from this clan
Akutagawa Kazuma and Akutagawa Tenpei where hired by the Sasaki family in the late 1400's to lead their troops against Ashikaga Yoshizawa.
Another interesting fact is the Akutagawa Clan were one of several familes that were involved in the tradition of Koga Ryu Ninjitsu, one of the eight ancient ninja clans of importance in Japan. These skills were "purchased" by the Saskai familty as well as others. One of the last times the Koga ninja were active was in a battle at Shima-Bara No Ran, when Christian Samurais rebelled and occupied the Hara castle in Shimabara province on Kyushu. Ten ninjas from Koga Ryu were sent by Izumo Kami Nobutsuna to gather information for the Shogun Samurais to prepare an attack against the castle. They were led by Akutagawa Kiyouemon, 60 years old, a veteran of the battle at Sekigahara.
Remarks: A remarkable crossed "axe" Maedate crowns this exceptional Momoyama period suit. Multi-colored lacing and animal hair highlight the Dou. This original matched period suit is a wonderful example of the flamboyant Kawari style.
Kabuto: A Sumizukinnari style Kawari Kabuto with a texured lacquer finish. Intricately engraved fukurin trim caps the hachi on both sides and over the top edge.
A sugake odoshi laced hineno jikoro is fitted to the Kabuto and is attached by four unsual mixed metal byo.
The shikoro has 7 lames which is quite rare. The fukigaeshi have no crest which is not uncommon for a Daimyo or other high ranking Samurai. In this case the dramatic masakari "axe" shaped maedate is one indication of the family. It is covered in gold lacquer.
Men-Yoroi: A well crafted tsubame bo "swallow tail" style hanbo made as a half mask with the edges tapering upwards to form the cheek plates. Odome posts set into both sides of the hanbo. Original lacquer finish is in very good condition.
The interior of the mask is coated with smooth cinnabar red lacquer.
The
yodare-kake is finished in blue lacing to match the shikoro of the Kabuto. Many high ranking Samurai and Daimyo preferred this style of face armor due to it's overall comfort.
Dou: A beautiful Nuinobe Odoshi Dou with goishi-gashira sane and itamono. This Dou has the characteristic styling of the Momoyama period.
The kusazuri has
an attached 7 mon 5 dan gessan pendant configuration trimmed with beautiful animal fur. It is rare that the fur is still has remained in such wonderful condition.
The Dou comes with kikko brigandine armoured shoulders. These have seen some wear through usage. All of its original kohaze toggles are in good condition. The kiritsuke kozane tosei ko-sode are laced in the original matching colors of blue, purple and white and in excellent condition.
