Myochin Munetane Samurai Armor
A complete set of functional samurai armor from 1834 heads to auction at Dreweatts. Signed by Myochin Munetane, the twenty-eighth head of Japan's most renowned armor-making family, the set represents the final generation of battle-ready equipment before the Meiji Restoration. The sixty-two plate helmet features a gold lacquer lion-dog crest and Dutch leather applications. The wrapped cuirass bears Munetane's signature in gold lacquer. Six-tiered shoulder guards, chainmail sleeves, gold and red lacquer gauntlets with embroidered silk lining, and matching leg protectors complete the outfit. Includes original red lacquered storage box inlaid with cherry blossoms and certification as Important Cultural Material from 1989. One of the last pieces crafted when samurai still wore armor into combat.
