Japanese Arms and Armor Auction – March 18
Published February 2nd, 2008
On March 18th, 2008, Sotheby’s will offer a collection of Japanese arms and armor.
Comprised of approximately thirty pieces including complete suits, breastplates, helmets, masks and swords, a number of them signed by armorers, including the Saotome family. The pieces, which range in date from the late 16th to 19th centuries, were used during military battles. Acquired over the past two decades by a Private Collector, the offering is expected to bring in excess of $400,000* and will be included in the catalogue of Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art.
Sachiko Hori, specialist in Japanese art at Sotheby’s, said: “This is a very fine collection assembled by a person with great artistic sense and contains many exclusive Japanese elements. The group of helmets is superb and exhibits extraordinary shapes — one can feel wit and humor of skillful armor makers.”
