Produced in the wealthy and culturally refined Kaga Domain during the Edo period

Produced in the wealthy and culturally refined Kaga Domain during the Edo period, this extraordinary Kagagusoku Yoroi represents the pinnacle of Japanese martial artistry. Artisans of the Kaga region—supported by the immense wealth of the ruling Maeda clan—were celebrated across Japan for their exceptional metalwork, seamlessly blending robust battlefield functionality with sophisticated aesthetic elegance. At the absolute center of this suite is a magnificent, three-dimensional ryū (dragon) mounted directly onto the dark russet-iron dou (cuirass). In traditional Japanese culture, the dragon is a venerated water deity, symbolizing fierce protection, immense power, and the unwavering resolve of the warrior class. The intricate chasing of the dragon's scales, its coiled whiskers, and the sweeping dynamism of its horns are a masterclass in metalcraft, perfectly encapsulating the story of the samurai told through crafted metal. Above the cuirass sits the imposing suji-bachi kabuto, a multi-plate helmet engineered with distinct raised ridges designed specifically to deflect downward sword strikes. It is crowned by sweeping kuwagata (frontal crests) that dramatically expand the warrior's silhouette, projecting an aura of commanding authority. Beneath the helmet, the menpo (facial armor) was engineered for psychological warfare; its fierce expression, deeply contoured cheeks, and bristling mustache made from natural animal hair were crafted to unnerve adversaries long before blades ever crossed. Contrasting the unyielding, jet-black and dark russet iron is the remarkable odoshi (silk lacing). Arranged in meticulous, alternating tiers of forest green, pale cream, and subtle gold, these vital cords bound the kusazuri (skirt panels) and shikoro (neck guard) together. This provided the samurai with essential flexibility and shock absorption while offering a brilliant visual contrast that would identify the wearer on a chaotic battlefield. Preserved alongside its original yoroi-bitsu (armor storage box)—which bears a faded gold mon (family crest) indicating the aristocratic lineage of its original owner—this complete suit stands not just as a weapon of war, but as a profound historical record of Kaga craftsmanship and the enduring identity of the warrior elite. Family crest: Maru Ni Mitsu Gashiwa Mon(Oak in circle) meaning: The oak leaf which died in autumn does not shed their leaves until a sprout appears in spring. From this characteristic, Oak leaf is symbol of "The history of the clan does not break off". Oak is the shinboku (sacred tree) (species of evergreen sacred to Shinto). Reference./ Busho who used this crest: Shima clan, Hagiwara cran, Tsuboi cran, Watanabe clan, Makino clan, Yamauchi, clan, Kubota clan, Osada clan,etc. Size: Kabuto/Height: 18.11 in(46cm)/ width: 13.39 in(34cm)/ Depth: 14.17 in(36cm) Menpo/Height: 10.24 in(26cm)/ width: 9.06 in(23cm)/ Depth: 5.12 in(13cm) Do /Height: 31.5 in(80cm)/ Width: 14.17 in(36cm)/ Girth: 42.52 in (108cm) Sode/ Height: 11.42 in(29cm)/ Width: 10.63 in(27cm) Kote/ Length: 26.38 in(67cm) Haidate/ Height: 23.62 in(60cm) / Width: 27.56 in(70cm) Sune/ Height: 11.81 in(30cm) Box/Height: 23.62 in(60cm)/ width: 20.08 in(51cm)/ Depth: 18.11 in(46cm) Weight: 19500 g