Suit of Japanese Armor with swords

[Kanemono]

Here is a full suit of Japanese armor which was created for the coronation of the Emperor Taishō in 1912. Detail of the Kabuto, the helmet used by the samurai and the Mempo which is the facial armor that covers the whole face or part of it. There are also a pair of swords (Daishō), a Wakizashi (short sword) in the Obi and a Katana (long sword) in a sword stand next to the armor.

 

 

[SARGE]

Outstanding!

 

An older complete set of armor like this is just impossible to find. Do you have information on the owner?

[Kanemono]

Hi Sarge,

I used to do restoration on Japanese artworks for one of the largest Asian art dealers in the country. He bought the armor from one of the major auction houses years ago, their catalog stated that the armor was created for the coronation of the Emperor Taishō. I traded my work for the armor. Here is the Mon on the chest that contained the armor and its stand. This should indicate the family but I haven't been able to find the Mon.

Dick

[SARGE]

Dick,

 

I saw that mon on the storage box but I don't recognize it either. Not one of the major families I suppose. There were/are literally hundreds of these family crests. I know there are pattern books that are used by kimono makers and stamp makers that list many of them. That would be my best guess for where you might be able to find and identify it.

 

Good trade for the armor!

 

George

[Kanemono]

Hi George,

Thanks for the information. I photographed the Mon but didn't post it. Here is the Mon. I have a book with hundreds of Mons, all I have to do is remember where I put it.

Dick

[Mons1914]

What a fantastic item! Thank you for sharing.

[Eric Queen]

Super set Dick. Could this be the kamon?

 

2. Katabami-mon (Woodsorrel Crest)

片喰紋

A shokubutsu-mon that depicts a stylized creeping woodsorrel (a durable, vigorous plant that multiplies quickly), popular as a kamon among the masses owing to its nuance of prosperity for ones descendants

Maru ni Ken Katabami mon

[Kanemono]

Hi Eric,

That's it! Thank you. It sounds like that could be the Mon for a lot of families. I love the picture of the Japanese soldier with his dog. You do have some great stuff!