Art of the Ancient Blog

Paul Chen’s Dragon Armour, named for the helmet crest (mon), is made for the connoisseur of Japanese armours. It faithfully replicates a “Byotoji Do Gusoku” from the Edo period which, like many fine armours, incorporates an earlier helmet bowl from the Momoyama period.

European influence on Samurai armour is discernible in the slight median ridge to the front section of the byotoji okegawa do (breastplate) which, by this period, was designed to deflect musket balls. The plates of the do, with waved edges, are fastened with elaborate shakudo rivets in the form of flowers with gilt centers.

This feature illustrates the Japanese preference for a more flexible style of armour than the typical European one-piece breastplate construction. The carrying chest/display seat (hitsu) is black lacquered with the Dragon mon emblazoned in silver on the front panel.

Overall, the antiqued patina of the gusoku gives a period appearance and provides a rich addition to any Japanese décor. Our full-sized suits of Samurai armour provide displays of outstanding quality for the den or the dojo.

Crafted by the armourers of CAS/Hanwei, the armour is authentically detailed and completely realistic. These very affordable pieces are made with traditional styling and materials and are wearable (within a reasonable size range!).

They are supplied in the customary black lacquered box which, along with an included wooden frame, provides the support for the display.

Go here to see Japanese Armor - Paul Chen Dragon Armor

Ganesh, also called Ganapati, the elephant headed God of Wisdom and Success is the defender and remover of obstacles and has to be propritiated first before worshiping other Gods. He is one of the sons of Siva and Parvati.

He is known as “Sidhi Data” or bestower of success in the work. His elephant head is believed to be an emblem of wisdom. His head often has one full tusk, while the other is broken.

It is said that he lost it in a fight or that he used it to dictate the Maha-Bharata to the sage Vyasa.

His mount or standard is a rat, a symbol in Hindu fable of the sagasity & trickery of this world, much like the fox in the west.

So it is natural that the rat should first be conquered, then subdued and employed by the being who represents spiritual strength, whom he was bound to recognise as his superior, since his own cunning would tell him that Ganesh would prove a better guide than even his own perspicacity.
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