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Subject:Identification of Booklet
Posted By: Lance Frazer Wed, Jan 15, 2020 IP: 2601:204:4002:e750:5

Perhaps an odd question, but here goes. This was in between two prints I purchased some time ago, and I'd love to find out what it is, and what its use might be. It is a stapled booklet, approx. 10x14, with dozens of photos of yoroi. As I neither speak nor read Japanese, I'd like to find out its purpose. The only page with English printing contains instructions "How to set up the Yoroi," leading me to believe it's instructions for setting up the armor for exhibits in museums, but it wouldn't be the first time I've been wide of the mark. Would appreciate any insights (more photos available if desired). Thanks in advance.







Subject:Re: Identification of Booklet
Posted By: I.Nagy Thu, Jan 16, 2020

This is a catalog of Chikuzen (Old province name in Kyushu) style armours made by Ryuzen.
In Japan from beginning of April, households with boys decorate their houses samurai armour and helmet miniatures representing their wishes to raise them strong and powerful.
Here are the translations of captions,
甲冑 - Japanese armour(s)
筑前龍山作 - Made by Ryuzan of Chikuzen

鎧の名称 - Armour part names
甲冑の歴史 - History of armour
鎧の名称説明 - Explanation of armour part names

威 - Leather straps biding the plates of armour

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Identification of Booklet
Posted By: Lance Frazer Fri, Jan 17, 2020

Thank you. Most intriguing. Would you think this might have been made for or by a museum for an exhibition, for general historical education or some other purpose?

Subject:Re: Identification of Booklet
Posted By: I.Nagy Sat, Jan 18, 2020

In appearance it looks like a maker's catalog.
I think the only English printed page alone gives enough explanation about the use. It is an armour for Boy's Day or Tango no Sekku (May 5th), when houses with boys decorate the armour, helmet or warrior doll in their houses. The only question is the size. If it is taller than 50-60 cm, let's say
real size, could serve other decorative purposes.
Museums don't display modern things - and the museum curators know well how to set up these things.

With regards,
I.Nagy


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