MYŌCHIN MUNESUKE 明珍宗介 (1642–1726) SUJIBACHI KABUTO (RIDGED HELMET) 筋鉢兜Edo Period (1615–1868), late 17th–early 18th centuryA 30-plate russet-iron sujibachi kabuto with four-tier hachimanza (decoration at the apex of the helmet bowl), sweeping mabisashi (peak) with shakudō edging, the maedate (forecrest) in the form of a gilt and lacquered wood two-horned beast; signed inside Myōchin Munesuke 明珍宗介; the shikoro (neck guard) of five tiers of gold-lacquered iron kittsukezane (sheets simulating individual scales), the fukigaeshi (turn-backs) covered in dyed leather; the menpō (face mask) of russet iron in the form of a karura (in Sanskrit, garuda, a fabulous bird associated with esoteric Buddhism) with a four-tier yodare-kake (bib) of matching kittsukezane37cm (14½in) wide(3)Provenance:Christie's New York, 18 April 2018, lot 118注脚Myōchin Munesuke (original surname Masuda) was the leading member of the Myōchin family of armourers during the first century of the Edo period, celebrated for his iron tsuba (sword guards) as well as superbly forged helmet bowls and complete armours.