Edo Period Samurai Suit Of Armor

Complete with a lacquered surface and original silk straps, this Japanese Edo-period traveling hat, or jingasa, first emerged during the illustrious period between 1603 and 1868, a t...

An incredible and extremely rare artifact of world history, this mutton bone model of a guillotine was created during the Napoleonic wars by a French prisoner of war. Many of the inmates at the prisoner of war camps were skilled artisans long before they were soldiers, and because of the long duration of the conflict and cost of care, their captors encouraged detainees to use their skills to create objects to be sold at civilian open markets. Because of the intricacy of these fascinating objets d'art, very few of these models have survived the test of time. This masterpiece is impeccably detailed with soldiers and cannons lining the platforms. Adding to the rarity of this piece is that it has moving parts, as only a scant few model carvings were ever created with such mechanical accuracy. The soldiers have movable arms, while the guillotine features a movable "blade" for added authenticity. By many accounts, Napoleonic prisoners of war...

This engraved glass was crafted to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Sixteen years following the coronation of her father, King George VI, the official coronation of Queen Elizabeth II represented a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. Held at Westminster Abbey, it was the first official celebration of its kind ever to be televised — approximately 27 million people in the United Kingdom alone tuned in to watch their new Queen don her crown for the first time. Considering the widespread popularity of the event, commemorative objects such as this became highly desirable, as people around the world sought remembrances of the joyous occasion. This glass is an exceptional example of its type that remains in excellent condition. One side reads "The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 1953," while the other displays the initials "ER II...

"The Immortal Memory of Lord Nelson and those who fell with him" — Queen Elizabeth II’s toast on October 21, 2005, at the official Battle of Trafalgar Bicentennial dinner In 2005, the United Kingdom marked the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in grand fashion. Celebrations included memorable speeches by Queen Elizabeth II, awe-inspiring re-enactments of the renowned battle and extraordinary artwork commissions. This silver-gilt creation, one of the exceptional commissions to honor the bicentennial, represents an unprecedented collaboration of the best artists and craftsmen of their day. As one of only five of its kind ever made, this remarkable silver-gilt commemorative casket immortalizes Lord Horatio Nelson's legacy in captivating form. The objet d'art intentionally evokes a graceful wave with its artfully crafted curved sides and bracket feet. The front showcases a hand-painted enamel portrait of General Horatio Nelson, exquisitely rendered on 18K gold by Gillie Hoyte Byrom. Turning the casket reveals a compelling scene of the legendary Battle of Trafalgar painted by Commander Geoff Hunt...

Intricate engravings symbolic of the English monarchy decorate this limited edition glass tankard commemorating the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. On one side...

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

A Rare Leather Cover Decorated with Samurai Clan Crest This rare leather cover is a stunning example of Japanese craftsmanship. It is dated to the Mid Edo period, circa 17-18th cent...

Excellent set of Samurai armor Edo period. According to the inscription on the Dou(cuirass), Armor was commissioned by a leading member of Wada Samurai family, Wada Masatada to a renown armor maker, Myochin Munetaka. 18th century. Pristine condition, with only minor abrasions and losses due to significant age. PRICE and other inquiries, please send a message. It holds prestigious Tokubetsu Kitcho Shiryo (especially important cultural item), papers by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Armor...

Elaborately made set of armor , reflecting high social status of the owner. It is appears austere and yet sophisticated with multiple gilded family crests and arabesque design on gilded copper fittings. Very fine 32 plate Kabuto helmet...

Spectacular Samurai Stirrups These spectacular samurai stirrups are a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship. They are made of iron with silver and b...

Antique Japanese Samurai Manga book Edo period, circa 1840 Woodblack print book Book dimensions: 224mm x 156 mm There are damages becau...

JINGASA - ICHIMON-GASA EDO Period 19th Century Jingasa, flat-shaped Samurai headdress made of wood, the exterior covered with black lacquer depicting a brown kamon, a Japanese heral...