Part Japanese Armour
 

Hi,
I have absolutely no experience with Japanese items apart from a sword which I sold some 40 odd years ago. I know the arm guards are Kote and the thigh guard is Haidate and that is it, therefore I would appreciate it if any knowledgeable members would care to enlighten me as to the when, where etc.
Regards,
Norman.

More photographs.
Regards,
Norman.

Very nice. Wish I could wear them! :D

You will be reassured to know that they can be precisely dated to the Edo Period (1603-1868.)

Hi,
Many thanks for the kind words and information. I have a few questions. Who was likely to wear this kind of armour? I have the impression that it was probably a retainer rather than anyone of rank. The Edo period spans quite a number of years, is there anyway of narrowing the timeline or was this armour type used more or less unchanged throughout the time period 1603-1868?
My Regards,
Norman.

Fascinating to see this, thank you.

The cordage used to fasten the armor to the arms looks modern. Is that the case?

Hi Bob,
The cord, is as far as I'm aware, contemporary with the rest of the armour.
Regards,
Norman.

Broadening your collecting area, Norman ... and shrinking your sporran ? ;) .

Samurai retainer. The presence of a hand-guard is the give away.... Ashigaru armour lacks this feature. See picture.

Hi,
David, thank you for the illustration and clarification :)
My Regards,
Norman.

Hi Fernando,
A SHRINKING SPORRAN aaaaaaagh :eek: :eek: :eek: blasphemy sheer blasphemy!!!!!! :D

Just following an old tradition, have you never heard of Thomas Blake Glover the 'Scottish Samurai'!
Kind Regards,
Norman.

P.S. The wife wants to know if you've picked up any new four legged waifs recently?

Yes, Carolina; a she dog abandoned in the city park, needing full (all twelve) mastectomy. She is presently doing fine, though :cool:.
... But the bill also shrank my sporran, mo charaid :shrug:

Fernando you're still her hero, photo request of latest addition to my e-mail.
Kind Regards,
Norman