Maeda Clan Armour
A richly finished Saotome gusoku combining restrained russet iron with extensive gold-leaf decoration and the repeated insignia of the Maeda clan.
18th–19th century
Russet iron cuirass and Saotome kabuto
Clan mon displayed on the kote, haidate and fukigaeshi
Russet iron and gold in measured balance
This complete suit is a particularly coherent example of a byō-toji ni-mai-dō gusoku from the mid-to-late Edo period. The Saotome kabuto is formed around a carefully preserved russet-iron bowl, a surface treatment continued across the cuirass and giving the armour a restrained, architectural character.
Against this dark iron, the shikoro, tare and sode are constructed in kiritsuke-kozane, gilded with gold leaf (kinpaku) and closely laced in kebiki-odoshi. The effect is deliberately controlled: the gold defines the layered structure of the armour without overwhelming the quiet depth of the iron.
The helmet is completed by an outstanding carved shishi maedate mounted on its original kurogata-dai. Chain-mail kote and matching haidate carry the Maeda clan mon, which is repeated on the fukigaeshi. These recurring crests, together with the consistent materials and workmanship, give the ensemble a strong sense of identity and completeness.
Details & construction
View the gallery for detailed studies of the complete armour and its individual components. Select any image to open the slideshow and move through the complete set.
A coherent Maeda clan commission
The repeated Maeda mon is integral to the presentation of the armour rather than a later decorative addition. It appears across the textile and metal defences in positions intended to identify the wearer clearly, most notably on the fukigaeshi, kote and haidate.
The relationship between the russet-iron hachi and dō, the gilded false-scale construction and the matching lacing supports the reading of the armour as a unified ensemble. The carved shishi forecrest provides the principal sculptural focus and gives the helmet a commanding profile when the suit is displayed.
The armour is offered as a complete display ensemble. Further condition photographs, dimensions and a detailed viewing can be arranged on request.
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