Gusoku Armor and Helmet,
bearskin trimming and black silk
lacing.
Momoyama-Edo period, 16-17th c.
Worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), the founder and 1st shogun of the Tokugawa Bakufu. One of his son was Tokugawa Yoshinao (1600-1650),the 1st head of the Owari Tokugawa clan.
An extraordinary suit of armor and helmet, entirely covered with bearskin. Kept in the smaller keep of Nagoya Castle, this was considered the most highly prized suit of armor in the possesion of the Owari Tokugawa clan, as it was worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu himself.