Mogami-Sode of Kittsuke-Kebiki
Circa: 18th Century, Edo Period
Materials: Copper, Iron, Silk, Leather, Lacquer
Provenance: Private collection Kyoto, Japan
Dimensions: Height: 14” x Width: 9.75” x Weight: 1.4 lbs
The sode (shoulder guards) like every other part of the armor have protective purposes and design qualities; however the balance and elegance they bring to an armor’s symmetry is a great deal. Larger sode like the mogami-sode or ō-sode bring an elevated appeal to the armor that could speak to the breadth of the higher commanding officers that wore them.
Here we have six plates lacquered and gilded in gold then strung together in a kebiki-odoshi style featuring dark blue silk braid. Older mogami-sode were constructed with the arame lacing technique to support the kozane style construction; however this pair features the next reiteration. Typical of mogami-sode style the piece gets wider when measuring down starting from the top. The kamuri-ita is adorned with leather to maintain a textured surface on the outside. There are two copper kiūsho-kanamono on either side of the kamuri-ita, with a copper aida-kanamono firmly attached in the center. The copper kogai-kanamono sits at the third plate up from the bottom. The rear features the gumi (metal-armed loops) on the watagami with individual leather strips to secure the mogami-sode to the cuirass. This was an addition to the pair over the years as the original silk braids most likely were damaged and removed. The back-side of the kamuri-ita features most likely deer skin that has a printed pattern on it. The chikara-gawa (leather band for support) is in great condition and appears to be well maintained. A very nice pair in great condition, would be a nice addition to any collection as a pair of with an armor.
Circa: 18th Century, Edo Period
Materials: Copper, Iron, Silk, Leather, Lacquer
Provenance: Private collection Kyoto, Japan
Dimensions: Height: 14” x Width: 9.75” x Weight: 1.4 lbs
The sode (shoulder guards) like every other part of the armor have protective purposes and design qualities; however the balance and elegance they bring to an armor’s symmetry is a great deal. Larger sode like the mogami-sode or ō-sode bring an elevated appeal to the armor that could speak to the breadth of the higher commanding officers that wore them.
Here we have six plates lacquered and gilded in gold then strung together in a kebiki-odoshi style featuring dark blue silk braid. Older mogami-sode were constructed with the arame lacing technique to support the kozane style construction; however this pair features the next reiteration. Typical of mogami-sode style the piece gets wider when measuring down starting from the top. The kamuri-ita is adorned with leather to maintain a textured surface on the outside. There are two copper kiūsho-kanamono on either side of the kamuri-ita, with a copper aida-kanamono firmly attached in the center. The copper kogai-kanamono sits at the third plate up from the bottom. The rear features the gumi (metal-armed loops) on the watagami with individual leather strips to secure the mogami-sode to the cuirass. This was an addition to the pair over the years as the original silk braids most likely were damaged and removed. The back-side of the kamuri-ita features most likely deer skin that has a printed pattern on it. The chikara-gawa (leather band for support) is in great condition and appears to be well maintained. A very nice pair in great condition, would be a nice addition to any collection as a pair of with an armor.
Circa: 18th Century, Edo Period
Materials: Copper, Iron, Silk, Leather, Lacquer
Provenance: Private collection Kyoto, Japan
Dimensions: Height: 14” x Width: 9.75” x Weight: 1.4 lbs
The sode (shoulder guards) like every other part of the armor have protective purposes and design qualities; however the balance and elegance they bring to an armor’s symmetry is a great deal. Larger sode like the mogami-sode or ō-sode bring an elevated appeal to the armor that could speak to the breadth of the higher commanding officers that wore them.
Here we have six plates lacquered and gilded in gold then strung together in a kebiki-odoshi style featuring dark blue silk braid. Older mogami-sode were constructed with the arame lacing technique to support the kozane style construction; however this pair features the next reiteration. Typical of mogami-sode style the piece gets wider when measuring down starting from the top. The kamuri-ita is adorned with leather to maintain a textured surface on the outside. There are two copper kiūsho-kanamono on either side of the kamuri-ita, with a copper aida-kanamono firmly attached in the center. The copper kogai-kanamono sits at the third plate up from the bottom. The rear features the gumi (metal-armed loops) on the watagami with individual leather strips to secure the mogami-sode to the cuirass. This was an addition to the pair over the years as the original silk braids most likely were damaged and removed. The back-side of the kamuri-ita features most likely deer skin that has a printed pattern on it. The chikara-gawa (leather band for support) is in great condition and appears to be well maintained. A very nice pair in great condition, would be a nice addition to any collection as a pair of with an armor.