Samurai armor of Sansai type, early Edo period (1615 - 1867)

Early Edo period (1615 - 1867)

17th century

Inscribed in various parts: Nishimura Kiyomune

Hosokawa Sansai (or Tadakoi 1563 - 1646) was a successful general; he modified the traditional gusoku creating the model now know under his name. These are simple and very practical armors, that reflect the elegant artistic sensibility of Sansai, who was also a tea ceremony master.

The kabuto is of Etchu (zunari) type; the cuirass in iyozane maru, often covered in lacquer. The mask is always an hanbo and sode are not included.

Generals from the Hosokawa clan used this kind of armor for many generations and vassals and other daimyo families adopted this style.