**Originally Listed At $500**

East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. 1820 CE. An elegant woven jinbaori, or sleeveless jacket, which high-ranking samurai wore over their armour for protection from the elements and to display their status and mon, or family crest. This lovely garment exhibits a soft outer surface of creamy beige fabric. An intricately decorated cloth of abstract, vegetal motif adorns the collar and lapels. Two strips of beige fabric near the collar are fixed with buttons in order to secure the coat to its wearer. Boasting a lengthy design, the tunic displays large arm holes and an elongated slit up the back to allow for being worn over armour while the rider was on horseback. A black circular crest containing flower known as the paulownia, the mon of the Toyotomi clan, decorates the back. The contrasting hues of black and beige would have helped to convey a message of strength from a distance. The interior of this fine robe is embellished with fabric in a hue of pale olive, while two horizontal strips of olive cloth ornamented with light blue string adorn the shoulders. Other than armors, genuine samurai articles of clothing are extremely rare. Size: 28.612" W x 37" H (72.7 cm x 94 cm)

The Toyotomi clan ruled over Japan prior to the Edo period. Their most famous member is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was a great samurai and daimyo of the late Sengoku period. Toyotomi Hideyoshi is considered the second "Great Unifier" of Japan.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#159612

Expected small apertures to exterior fabric as shown. Some fraying in areas and tearing of lapel as commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent and intact.