All text and information in this series is copied from the exhibit and its supporting material, not my writing.
All photos are by Brenna Reistad.
Statuettes discovered in tombs indicate that Japanese warriors relied on horses as early as the Kofun period (ca. 250– 538). When provincial lords took up arms to defend their territories and govern the nation, battle became more frequent. The samurai proved to be excellent mounted archers; mounts played key roles in military strategy and facilitated travel. Later, when battle involved thousands of men, many warriors fought on foot, with samurai elites on horseback leading the troops. Vital in wartime, horses were also important during the peaceful Edo period (1615–1868). Riding on magnificent mounts and wearing their most striking armor, samurai displayed their status and wealth in parades, processions, and ceremonies.
Before the 17th century, samurai horses did not wear armor. Painted scenes of largescale combat provide evidence that, by around 1600, more elaborate warrior dress began to appear, as well as horse masks and armor. In the Edo period, horse armor became more luxurious and sophisticated for use in ceremonial processions.
Armor of the Nuinobedō Type with Kazaori Eboshi Helmet
Armor
1550– 1600
Mask
17th–18th century
Iron, gold, lacquer, lacing, leather
In the second half of the 16th century, when warfare reached unprecedented heights, demand increased for simpler armor that could be produced with speed and efficiency without sacrificing an impressive appearance. One of the most elegant solutions was nuinobedō armor comprised of two chest plates, created with slightly overlapping scales laced together in parallel rows with hinges under the left arm and laces on the right side. The helmet is shaped like a headdress worn at court.
Saotome Ienari
Helmet bowl
Japanese
Active 17th century
Ichiguchi Yoshikata
Mask
Japanese
Active 18th century
Armor of the Yokohagidō Type,
Helmet
17th century
Mask and armor
18th century
Iron, leather, gold, wood, lacing, fur, hemp
This flamboyant example of yokohagidō armor, with its red-lacquered plates and blue lacing, illustrates how color and an impressive helmet could help a warrior stand out on the battlefield. The Sanskrit characters emblazoned in gold on the sleeves and the dragon engulfed in flames on the helmet ornament are both emblems of the Buddhist deity Fudō Myōō. Buddhist motifs often appear on samurai armor to offer divine protection.
Hōrai Kunichika
Helmet Japanese
Active 16th century
Myōchin Muneaki
Mask
Japanese
1682–1751
Armor of the Mogamidō Type
Helmet bowl
ca. 1530
Mask
Early 17th century
Assembled mid-18th century
Iron, lacquer, shakudō, gold, silver, copper, bronze, silk, leather
In mogamidō-type armor, the chest armor is constructed of horizontal iron plates held together by parallel lacing instead of rivets. Here, the distinctive chest armor comprises five hinged parts; the decorated helmet’s elegant, rounded shape is reminiscent of akodanari kabuto (melonshaped helmets).
Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳
Japanese
1798–1861
The Great Battle Between the Minamoto and the Taira in Northern Echizen Province, ca. 1830 Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper A chaotic mass of armor, swords, flags, and horses was created to capture the frenzy of this battle scene that took place between several commanders and their forces during the Genpei War (1180–1185).
The Genpei War was the nation’s civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late Heian period. The Minamoto defeated the Taira and established the first shogun military government in the city of Kamakura. In the following centuries, fifteen shogun ruled Japan until the fall of the shogun in the late 19th century.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Japanese
1839–1892
The Surrender of Abe no Munetō and His Retainers
From The Earlier Taiheiki
1864
Triptych of woodblock prints
Ink and color on paper
This triptych shows the legendary commander Yoshiie of the powerful Minamoto clan (seated on a stool on the right) receiving his captive, Abe Munetō of the Abe family, who bows to him on the left while three Minamoto retainers look on. A backdrop of colorful and ornate standards, military curtains (jinmaku), and flags set the scene. These great foes engaged in frequent battle during the Heian period (794–1185). The story is described in the Earlier Taiheiki, a historical epic that chronicles the lives of great Heian-period samurai.
Armor of the Tachidō Type
17th century
Iron, gold, lacing, bear fur, silver, wood
In this suit of armor, the chest, shoulder guards, and skirt are constructed from rows of horizontal iron plates that have been heavily coated with black and gold lacquer and laced together with silk cords. Compared to an older style of armor assembled from tiny individual scales, this type of construction makes the armor lighter and easier to maintain. Note the bear-fur edging on the armor skirt, helmet, and throat guard.
Horse Armor (bagai) and Saddle Pads (aori)
18th–19th century
Leather, gold, fabric, lacquer, iron
Horse Tack (bagu) with Saddle (kura), Saddle Pads, and Stirrups (abumi)
18th–19th century
Iron, wood, leather, gold, hemp, lacquer
Lacquer was used to waterproof saddles, stirrups, and saddle pads. The saddle is black lacquered wood and the stirrups are iron with a red lacquer interior. The leather saddle pads have been coated with green lacquer and enlivened with a goldembossed pattern of turbulent waves beneath a full moon.
Armor of the Hotokedō Type with Fish Scales
18th century
Iron, lacquer, gold, silver, bronze, horsehair
Surcoat (jinbaori)
16th–18th century
Wool, silk
Horse Armor (bagai)
19th century
Iron, wood, leather, gold, hemp, lacquer
This horse armor is made from small squares of lacquered leather sewn to a hemp lining. Lacquer enhances the durability and hardness of the leather and allows it to dry quickly.
Horse Mask (bamen)
18th–19th century
Iron, leather, lacquer
Horse Tack (bagu) with Saddle (kura), Saddle Pads, and Stirrups (abumi)
1850–1900
Iron, wood, leather, lacquer, gold, hemp, silk brocade
Horse armor developed during the Momoyama period (1568–1600); it’s possible that horses wore armor in battle by the early 17th century. This example is constructed from small leather squares coated in russet lacquer and sewn to a silk brocade lining. The saddle pads are adorned with a gilded design of birds called plovers flying over a spray of waves, a traditional Japanese motif that signifies overcoming obstacles.
Attributed to Myōchin Nobuie
Helmet
Japanese
Active 19th century
Armor of the Tachidō Type
19th century
Iron, lacquer, gold, lacing
In tachidō armor, the torso is protected by a rigid cage made in two parts that are hinged together under the left arm. In this example, the chest armor is constructed of individual iron scales (honkozane) that have been lacquered, gilded, and tightly laced together with silk braid. Of all types of armor construction, the use of honkozane was the most time-consuming and expensive.
Battle Banner (sashimono)
19th century
Silk
Battle banners were worn on the back of a suit of armor to identify military units rather than individual soldiers. Foot soldiers wore uniform flags with the crest of their daimyō. Commanders sometimes had their own flags.
Samurai Armor Exhibit:
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