Page 143 - Edo: Art in Japan, 1615–1868

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Sword accessories with the zodiac: Armor
Kogai, feozuka, and menuki
Iron, lacquer, silk
Eighteenth century Height of cuirass and skirt 69 (2773)
Shakudô and gold Tokyo National Museum
3
Length of kôgai 21.2 (8 /s)
Tokyo National Museum • This armor is of the type known as
tósei gusoku, or "modern equipment."
• This set of sword fittings depicts the The armor is lightweight but covers
twelve animals of the zodiac by which most of the body. Components like
the year cycles and the hours of the the shoulder pieces and neck guard
day were indicated. The technique of are smaller than on most armors
pinning miniature pieces sculpted in created before the bow replaced the
gold onto a ground of black shakudó gun on the battlefield. The cuirass is
was established by the Goto family in made of rows of lacquered iron plates,
the fifteenth century. Goto fittings linked together with silk braid, and
were prescribed for use by the samu- consists of two halves that open on a
rai when on duty in Edo, and many hinge at the left side. The helmet is
independent makers used their meth- formed of lacquered iron plates and is
ods. This set departs from the stan- of the high-sided Etchü province type.
dard designs of the Goto family, and The gold lacquered crests at each
its maker is unknown. VH temple are of ivy leaves in circular
surrounds. The red discs that adorn
the cuirass, shoulder pieces, and skirt
probably represent the sun, which
was later to become the emblem on
the Japanese flag. Iron face masks
served both to tie the helmet firmly
on the head and to present a fero-
cious appearance. Usually the nose
guard could be removed for comfort.
A hole under the chin allowed sweat
and breath condensation to drain
away. VH