Bidspirit auction | Japanese hara-ate dō breastplate, Japan,

Japanese hara-ate dō breastplate, Japan, 19th century - Japanese soldier's breastplate in lacquered iron and textile cordage. Measures: 80 cm high. An interesting example of Japanese hara-ate dō armor, belonging to the traditional 19th-century samurai military equipment. The piece features a black lacquered iron structure, decorated on the front with a large red circle corresponding to the clan heraldic emblem (mon), a distinctive element used to identify military and family affiliations within the Japanese warrior tradition. The lower part retains the characteristic articulated lamellar protection joined by textile cordage, creating a piece of remarkable visual impact and technical refinement. This type of breastplate was used by mid-ranking soldiers and samurai, combining defensive functionality with a strong ceremonial and symbolic significance. The piece stands out for its elegant formal simplicity and the attractive patina of age it retains on surfaces and textile elements. A piece of great historical and collectable interest within traditional Japanese military arts. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.