"SOLD"
Age: Momoyama Period.
Remarks:
The Origami are signed by Dr. Sasama Yoshiko (Honorable President) and Mr. Suzuki Zenko (President)
of the "Nihon Katchu Bugu Rekishi Kenkyu Kai". This original Gusoku was formally judged and certified Juuyo. The official Juuyo documents are included.
This superb authentic example of a Momoyama Period suit has qualified for the prestigious level of Juuyo, the highest level of certification a Samurai Armor can obtain before it becomes designated a National Treasure.
This rare suit features beautiful two colored lacing. It is spectacular and clearly was custom made for a very important Samurai. The suit has two crests of which one is from the famous Honda Clan. A gorgeous black lacquer bitsu with engraved metalwork is included.
History: Further information indicates that the owner of this historically important suit was associated with Fushimi Castle and the Honda Clan. The construction of the original castle was begun in 1592 and came to be controlled by Torii Mototada, a vassal of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1600, the castle fell in a famous and significant siege by Ishida Mitsunari. Torii Mototada, in a celebrated act of honor and bravery, defended the castle for eleven days, delaying Ishida's forces and allowing his lord Tokugawa time to build his own army. This had a profound effect on the battle of Sekigahara, which came soon afterwards, and which marked the final victory of Tokugawa Ieyasu over all his rivals.
As mentioned this suit also bears the crest of the famous Honda Daimyo Clan.
Of this family the most famous Samurai without doubt was Tadakatsu Honda (1548-1610). He served Ieyasu Tokugawa all his life and participated in nearly all of his battles with his famous spear, Tonbo-Giri, one of the "Three Great Spears of Japan". He first gained distinction when he led troops in the second rank at the Battle of Anegawa (1570), aiding in the defeat of the Azai and Asakura armies along with the Tokugawa's ally, Nobunaga Oda. In the battle before the actual Battle of Mikatagahara (1572), Tadakatsu and Tadayo Okubo made contact with the advancing Takeda army and were able to escape due to Tadakatsu's skillful leadership. In the struggle afterward, he commanded the left wing of Ieyasu's army and faced off with one of the Takeda's most notable generals, Masatoyo Naito. The battle ended in defeat, but Tadakatsu was also present at the Battle of Nagashino, three years later. He commanded a rank of riflemen and combined with Nobunaga's highly effective strategy of firing in cycling volleys, the Oda-Tokugawa force annihilated the Takeda army. During the Komaki Campaign (1584), he was left at Komaki while Ieyasu went out to engage the Toyotomi at Nagakute. Tadakatsu observed a huge host, under Hideyoshi himself, move out in pursuit. With a handful of men, Tadakatsu rode out and challenged Hideyoshi from across the Shonai River. Hideyoshi outnumbered Tadakatsu by 50 or 60 to 1, but was said to have been so moved by the bravery of this warrior, that he ordered that no harm come to him or his men.
Tadakatsu commanded troops in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), where Ieyasu defeated the Western army led by Mitsunari Ishida, giving Ieyasu control of Japan and bringing the Sengoku era to a close. Afterward, he was promoted from Daimyo of the Otaki, with a fief in Kazusa (100,000 koku), to daimyo of the Kuwana, with a fief in Izu (150,000 koku). In addition, his son, Tadatomo Honda, became Daimyo of the Otaki. Tadakatsu retired in 1609, and his son, Tadamasa Honda took over his role as daimyo of Kuwana. Tadakatsu became increasingly estranged from the Tokugawa Shogunate as it evolved from a military to a civilian political institution and in 1610, he passed away.
A few legends sprang forth due to Tadakatsu's impressive skills in battle. It is often said that he never once received a wound from any of the many battles he participated in. It was also said that his spear, Tonbo Giri, was so sharp that when a dragonfly rested on its blade, it was split it half. This is where the spear gets its name, which translates into "Dragonfly Cutter". Tadakatsu was easily recognizable in battle with a helmet adorned with deer antlers and along with Naomasa Ii, Yasumasa Sakakibara, and Tadatsugu Sakai, Tadakatsu Honda was one of the "Four Guardians of the Tokugawa".
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