Rare Honkozane Daimyo Do-Maru Gusoku Armor Featured in Upcoming Christie’s Auction

The Japanese armors do-maru trace back their roots to the Heian period. These armors were made lighter during the Edo era for soldiers. Feudal overlords known as daimyo also used them for ceremonies. These protective gears consisted of multiple pieces that covered the daimyo from head to toe. The upcoming Christie’s auction presents a blue-laced Honkozane daimyo do-maru gusoku. The gusoku armor consists of multiple pieces like kabuto (helmet), shikaro (neck guard), menpo (face mask), do (cuirass), and more. The available armor features intricate construction involving laced hon-konzane or iron strips. It belongs to the Ozu clan’s seventh-generation daimyo Kato Yasutake.

Also showcased is a Goryeo dynasty stoneware ewer with celadon glaze. Goryeo celadon ceramics were notable for their distinct greenish-blue glazes. Their form and intricate decorations made them sought-after Korean ceramics. The available ceramic ware has bamboo shoot detailing and a melon shape. The auction also highlights multiple woodblock print triptychs and paintings by Kitagawa Utamaro, an artist famous for his large-headed artworks of beautiful ladies called bijin ōkubi-e. Another featured lot is Musashi Tamagawa (Tama River in Musashi Province) by Utagawa Hiroshige. The woodblock print belongs to Hiroshige’s Fuji Sanjyurokkei series depicting Mount Fuji’s 36 views. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog of Japanese and Korean art and register to bid online on Christie’s.