Bonhams will present its annual Arts of the Samurai auction on October 27 in New York, highlighted by a suit of armour created for a high-ranking warrior.

The suit demonstrates the appeal of exotic materials to the Japanese military elite

The auction features suits of armour, elaborate iron helmets and beautifully crafted swords. The gilded leather armour will sell with a $55,000-65,000 estimate.

Dating to the early 18th century, the armour has been worked to resemble imported Dutch leather - a nod to the fascination Japan's military elite held with exotic fabrics. It is held together with blue lace in a meticulous fashion that again points to its ownership by a high-level samurai.

The top lot of the sale is an extremely rare cuirass from the 14th-15th century, which is constructed of iron scales covered with leather. Altered in the 16th century but still a fine piece, its rarity is reflected in the $80,000-100,000 estimate.

Further highlights include a nagamaki sword, described as highly important by Bonhams. It is valued at $100,000-150,000.

The sword is believed to have left Japan following the Meiji restoration (which saw Emperor Meiji restored to the throne), when noble families were forced to give up their wealth, resulting in large public sales. It bears the inventory number 33 in the same hand as those in the collection of the noted Tokugawa family.

Unusually long, the sword could only be drawn from its scabbard with the help of an assistant. It is thought to have been made by Kanabo Masatsugu at the Kanabo school, whose works are prized for strength and ability to slice through almost anything.

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