Overview

This armor known as haramaki is composed of alternately arranged black-lacquered and iron scales laced with blue, red, and light green cords. The body armor has two layers of plates in the front, three in the back, and four on the sides. The segmented skirt (J., kusazuri) and the sleeves (J., ôsode) are laced with purple, red, and yellow thread. The breast and sleeve plates, where illustrated leather is usually mounted, are lacquered and gold-leafed. Decorative metal fittings include plates with engraved vines on fish-roe ground, and chrysanthemum-shaped rivets. Black-lacquered scales, flower-shaped metal fittings, gold-leafed chest plates, and colorful cords are characteristic of the late Muromachi period (1392-1573), but it is very rare to see back-support plates like this armor has. The helmet is in the akodanari ("melon-shaped") style with 38 ribs and skirt plate edges decorated with gold-plated ornamental rims. The decorative metal fittings are made of gold bronze with designs in openwork on fish-roe ground and in raised-relief engraving in colors. This piece, a complete set with helmet and large shoulder guards, is a valuable example of classic dômaru armor. It is mentioned in the armor volume of Shûko zesshû (E., Illustrated Catalogues of Antiques), and was in the possession of the Nasu family until recently.