Ashi-garu: Foot Soldier. This is a very nice and well preserved Ashigaru set from the late Edo period (early 1800) all non-restored. This set was for a very low ranking Ashigaru or possibly one under a not so wealthy Lord. This can be noted by the lack of any kind of comfort. There is no padding or Kohire (small wings) and no neck protection Tate-eri. Ouch! This is also quite possibly a composite set, being pieces were put together to form complete attire. the Kote and Suneate match, but there is now way to tell if it matched the Dou. The Jingasa supports the Kikyo Kamon.
Ashi-garu: Foot Soldier. Unlike the Ashigaru set above this is a true matching gusoku. Only the
jingasa could be called to question as it does not have any identifying mark or
cloth to match it. It can also be noted that it may have been under a Lord of
wealth do to the addition of Kohire and Tate-eri. The Dou's halfs are also
matched as they carry the matching munitions store numbers. Circa 1800-1850.
Ashi-garu: Foot Soldier. A complete matched Ashigaru Gusoku from the mid Edo Period (1750 +) again a
munitions grade set under a wealth Lord. This set does have yoke padding but
without Kikko inserts. The Mon on this armor also suggest that it was provided
to men in the Taiho (cannon) squad as was common with particular crest, but I
can not confirm or deny this. Also of interest is this Jingase is made of iron
with urushi applied, much more costly to make than with leather, paper or
bamboo.
Gusoku; Armor. A complete matching gusoku which dates back to the mid Edo period. The Dou is reffered to as Ni Mai Dou which translates to a two part Dou which hinges together under the left arm and is made in the Hishi toji or cross-knot style. The kabuto is a Myochin school 12 plate Suji Bachi. The sangu has beautiful ornate silk cloth and dyed doe skin. The Kohaze are made from ivory and the maedate is a true period piece. Definately my preference in gosuko, not like the flashy parade pieces, but to each their own.
Gusoku; Armor. Mid Edo composite grouping. This armor has a Tetsu sabiji urushi Yokohagi Okegawa Dou or horizontal plate dou, which has seen a little proffesional relacing which most people don't notice until I've said something. The kabuto is a Tetsu sabiji urushi nuri Mononari (Pointed helmet inspired by the European Morion) which has had its lacing professionally restored. Hanbo is in the same urushi.
Gusoku; Armor. An outstanding example of a matching Okashi Gusoku.
Haori:
Sangu:
Sangu: