A Japanese suit of armour. Edo period (18th-19th century). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Yoko-hagi Okegawa nimai-do gusoku type, with sixteen-plate sujibachi ridged helmet, butterfly mon on the fukigaeshi [turnbacks], the peak stamped and coloured in the style of Dutch leather with scrolling foliage, black lacquered shikoro [neck guard], the russet iron do [breastplate] with small panels decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e on a black ground with plum blossom; 61¼ in. (156 cm.) high including plinth - Estimate £5,000 - £8,000. Price Realized £10,625

A Japanese black laquered suit of armour. Edo period (18th-19th century). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Nuinobe do gusoku type, with sixteen-plate sujibachi ridged helmet, the armour black lacquered iron with blue lacing, the menpo [face guard] with detachable nose piece, lacquered tsuneate [leg guards]; 61¼ in. (156 cm.) high including plinth - Estimate £3,000 - £5,000. Price Realized £6,875

Christie's. Quai d'Orsay, Paris - An Apartment by Jacques Grange, 19 November 2010, London, King Street www.christies.com