Description

Medium: Iron, rawhide, lacquer, silk, copper, gold

School: Unknown

Provenance: Private collection Japan / Private collection UK

Exhibition: LAPADA Fair London 2024 / Decorative Fair London 2025

Publication: Kiwame Fuda 25-03

At first glance, this appears to be a simple suit of brown-lacquered armour, but a closer inspection reveals it to be anything but ordinary. Constructed in the yukinoshita-dō style, the armour is notably heavy, as this type was originally intended for mounted combat. While reminiscent of the style made famous by the Date clan, it features several distinctive elements that set it apart.

The kabuto (helmet) is a heavy iron zunari type, shaped to resemble the human head. It has been reinforced using a technique known as harakake, which employs lacquered hemp to form a structure resembling a traditional court cap. This unusual design falls under the classification of kawaii-bachi, or “unusual helmet.” The shikoro (neck guard) is exceptionally broad, offering enhanced protection to the wearer.

The dō (cuirass or body armour) is crafted from iron and bonded with thick, 4mm rawhide using lacquer. The mae-dō (front section) contains a central plate over 10mm thick. This combination of iron and rawhide creates a laminated, bullet-resistant structure that was highly effective in combat. One surface has been exquisitely decorated with a raised lacquer design featuring a dragon and clouds, encapsulated in pressed leather for added texture and durability. The kusazuri (skirt) is likewise composed of rawhide, leather and iron.

The kote (arm guards) are perfectly matched which includes decorative panels lacquered with golden dragons in the maki-e technique. The interior of the armour is finished in byakkudan-urushi nuri, a process where the surface is first gilded and then overlaid with translucent urushi lacquer, producing a copper-like metallic sheen.

This armour is undoubtedly of daimyō quality. It represents a beautifully understated yet formidable piece, meticulously crafted for the realities of warfare.

This armour has been photographed in detail and will feature in my future book Samurai Way of the Gun. This should be in a samurai museum.