Islamic Antiquities

A finely crafted Qajar-period Islamic amulet pendant, featuring a richly coloured deep red carnelian securely mounted within a silver setting. The face of the stone is intricately en...

Antique japanese red and black lacquered Bamboo Food Carrier or Box, front side can be open Dimensions: Height 18'' x width 15.5" x depth 11". ...

This superbly carved female figure stands in graceful tribhanga pose clutching the branches of the tree above with both hands. She is clad in a sheer dhoti and generously adorned wit...

Twenty Drawer Tansu, Meiji period, Late 19th-Early 20th century A merchant or artist tansu, which was used to store wares or artists implements; a handsome repository of goods and u...

A Chinoiserie lacquered jewelry chest in striking black. The chest features two doors adorned with graceful women figures facing aha other. Upon opening these doors, a treasure trove...

A Japanese antique storage jar from the late Edo period, originally used for preserving food or materials. The surface displays a rich interplay ...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1920's Mahjong set with the original hand carved box and additi...

This Gupta period sculpture of a Buddha seated in front of a tiered stupa is as exceptional as it is rare. Finely carved, we see the Buddha seated in ‘Hellenistic pose’ on a lotus ba...

A Japanese Edo Period Palanquin Bow (Rimankyuu) with two racks of arrows. The bow with reflexed design made of whalebone, the back and belly painted with golden mon and the grip (n...

Completely handmade Tibetan chest made from beautiful hardwood with lots of patina, surface markings, and cool vibe from over a century's use in Tibet. This was used as a tea table o...

Originating in medieval Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, this is a superb example of classical Indian temple sculpture. A lively and dynamic composition, this red sandstone relief shows...

Antique Thai manuscript wooden chest with gilded gold. Age: Thailand, Rattanakosin Period, 19th Century Size: Length 87.5 C.M. / Width 30.8 C.M. / Height 33.4 C.M. Condition: Nice ...

Antique Japanese Katana (sword) tansu, hand forged iron lock plate and hirute handles. Traditionally katana are stored in the upper drawer and in the lower drawer, the wakazashi.  Ki...

A bold and expressive Gandharan carved gray schist column capital fragment, circa 2nd - 3rd century, ancient region of Gandhara. The fragment of a c...

This complete Edo-period samurai armor is an exceptional example of the refined martial elegance and ceremonial grandeur associated with Japan’s warrior aristocracy. Every component reflects a precise harmony of functionality, symbolism, and prestige. At the heart of the set is a superb suji-bachi kabuto, constructed from multiple riveted iron plates arranged with flawless symmetry and enriched by a beautifully aged patina. It is crowned with a gilt tehen no kanamono, and the imposing maedate presents a pair of antler-like blades framing a gilded sun disc an emblem of celestial authority and divine lineage. The Fukigaeshi feature extraordinary gilt dragon ornaments, carved in high relief. Dragons, ancient symbols of protection and power, were reserved for armor of the highest rank, strongly indicating that this set belonged to a Daimyō or high-ranking retainer. The menpō, lacquered in deep black, includes a natural-hair moustache and an articulated jaw (resseibō), lending the face a vivid sense of character. Below it, the shikoro is composed of finely lacquered blue-and-gold plates, meticulously laced with silk. The okegawa ni-mai dō cuirass is finished in a dark brown lacquer and laced in deep indigo silk, complemented by elegant orange ceremonial tassels a hallmark of formal presentation armor. The sode (shoulder guards) retain their rare bear-fur trimming, an expensive and status-laden material symbolizing courage and noble rank. Completing the ensemble are beautifully made kote, haidate, and suneate, each executed with rich fabrics and refined lacquer work. A butterfly mon (chō-mon) appears on the leg guards an elegant symbol of transformation, adding a poetic contrast to the armor’s martial presence. The extensive use of gilding, the rare bear-fur details, and the prominent dragon motifs confirm this as a piece created for the highest echelons of samurai society. It is a masterpiece where ceremonial artistry, symbolism, and authority converge. Artistic and Historical Significance This armor epitomizes the Edo-period ideal, when arms and armor transcended their battlefield origins and became expressions of identity, dignity, and cultural refinement. The interplay of dark lacquer, golden ornamentation, and natural materials embodies the spirit of bushidō discipline, inner strength, and beauty through restraint. Whether displayed in a private collection, gallery, office, or interior setting, this armor commands attention. Its presence transforms any space, making it a truly museum-worthy centerpiece for collectors of Japanese, military, or historical art. The set includes its traditional stand and storage box. As with all antique armor...