In ancient times, armor was imbued with various sentiments, serving as symbols of status, honor, and dignity, as well as talismans for the prosperity of descendants.Even though times have changed, the armor crafted with heartfelt dedication by Issui is a wish for your child's healthy growth and success. It will surely protect them until they grow into fine adults. And through this armor, that sentiment will surely be passed down from parent to child, and from child to grandchild.Born in the city of natural beauty, Heian, flowing like water from the foothills of Higashiyama, without going against nature, to pour into the eternal, vast ocean. Wishing for a life to be lived with such magnanimity, I take the name Issui.
《 Heianju Issui 》The workshop of Zenjiro Imamura, who made his living creating the fabric for Kyo-yoroi (Kyoto armor), began crafting Kyo-yoroi, and the current master, the fourth generation, continues the tradition. While preserving the traditional techniques inherited from the second generation Seiichi Sawai and the third generation Katsuo Imamura, whose names resonated in the world of Kyo-yoroi and are still spoken of today, his evolving and unique style presents viewers with a supple impression that contrasts with the robust image of armor, possessing a flowing elegance. He is a certified Traditional Craftsman of Kyo-yoroi by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. To this day, he is one of Kyoto's leading armor masters, having exhibited and received high acclaim at numerous exhibitions, including the National Craftsmen Convention.
Owned by Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kamakura Period (13th-14th Century)《 National Treasure: Red-Laced O-Yoroi (Great Armor with Bamboo and Sparrow Metal Fittings - Armor of Bamboo and Tiger) 》This is arguably the most famous of the National Treasure-designated armors owned by Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Prefecture.Intricate decorative metal fittings based on bamboo, tigers, and sparrows, with added wisteria, paulownia, chrysanthemum, and butterflies, are placed throughout. The large kuwagata helmet spreading widely overhead is magnificent.The crimson silk thread still retains a fiery red color, and its splendor is known as one of Japan's foremost examples.The large decorative metal fitting on the large shoulder guards, which gives the armor its name, features a "bamboo and tiger" design and is particularly eye-catching.The humorous expression of the tiger, in contrast to the sharp gaze of the many sparrows, is also interesting. Many armor makers use this National Treasure as a model, study it, and present replicas to the world.
※Superb Fully Lined Helmet: While most helmets commonly have a textured surface on both the front and back of the *shikoro* (neck guard), this helmet has a flat finish on all inner surfaces of the *shikoro*, making it thicker than usual.
We meticulously craft each *sekku* doll, a guardian for every child, with a commitment to Japanese manufacturing, in close consultation with artisans.We strive for continuous quality improvement so that these dolls can be displayed for a long time, wishing for the healthy growth of your child.
- Notice Regarding Size and Weight -* Shipping Estimate: Orders will be shipped approximately 10 to 20 days after order confirmation.* Orders for items on backorder, made-to-order items, or orders placed during periods of carrier or store closures may not be delivered on the scheduled delivery date.Delivery may also be delayed due to weather conditions or land, air, and sea transportation circumstances.* Box dimensions and weight vary by product.The weight of small items on our website is around 1,000g, and for large helmets and armor, the approximate shipping weight is around 20,000g.* The dimensions listed on the website are the product sizes.