POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Samurai armour and horse tack

Object No. H4934

For much of the thousand years before the late 19th century, Japanese history was marked by civil wars and factional power struggles. In Japan's insular and highly stratified social structure alliances shifted between the Emperor, the Shogun or supreme military commander and the daimyo or powerful landholders. Much of the fighting was carried out by the warrior class, or samurai. In this society where power was underpinned by military might, martial arts were extremely important. The highly respected samurai developed an elaborate code based on discipline, ritual and symbolism generally referred to as Bushido or The Way of the Warrior. Accordingly, the samurai's armour, weaponry and horse tack developed along lines that combined practical necessity and symbolism. The codification and enforcement of samurai practices and appearance were most pronounced during the Edo period from 1603-1868. This period, in which Edo (present day Tokyo) took over from Kyoto as the centre of power, was the last of several epochs in Japanese history before the country openly embraced Western culture and technology. Despite many subtle variations in material, technique and decoration, Japanese armour changed relatively little over the centuries. It was a lamellar type armour meaning that it was constructed of metal or leather plates or lames laced together in overlapping rows. The Japanese disliked the look of untreated non-precious metals, therefore metal plates were often lacquered or subjected to other aesthetic processes. These lames were interwoven with rows of textile cord or brocade, often silk. Armour was made of many pieces and elements, each with its own particular name, covering most parts of the body. For instance the ensemble of plates protecting the torso was called the do. The thigh protectors were the haidate. A helmet or kabuto protected the head. This typically had horns or blades called kuwagata at the front and a plated neck guard called a shikoro at the back. The face was protected by a mask called a mempo or men gu. This was often lacquered metal or leather covering the face from the eyes down. It was moulded to simulate facial features cast in an angry countenance. The inside of the mempo was often lacquered with red to reflect upon the skin of the wearer thereby enhancing the terrifying visage. A simulated bristling moustache made from animal fur was frequently attached to the mempo. A plated and laced throat protector or yodare kake was attached to the bottom of the mempo. The overall effect of the decorated armour, horned helmet and horrifying face plate was awesome, as indeed it was intended to be. This suit of armour with accessories and related horse tack was purchased by the museum in 1948. Unverified acquisition records state that the equipment dates from 1775 and belonged to Komu Kaemon, a samurai of the officer rank from the Bizen clan. It is certain, however, that this collection is a remarkably complete example of samurai equipment from the middle Edo period. The armour is of superior quality and features all the elements outlined above. It has purple and white silk laced lames with primary and secondary heraldic symbols or mons. The helmet is a sofukurin type featuring gilt edged ribbed plates. This was a revival of earlier helmet styles as was typical during the Edo period. Accompanying the armour is a very rare sleeveless felt coat or jin-baori with matching mon. These coats were worn over armour at camp and occasionally into battle. Underclothes comprising breeches and robe are also included. There are two armour boxes again with matching mon. These were used to store the armour. There are paper storage bags and several banners and lengths of cloths. There are no shoes. The horse tack is comprising a saddle, bit, reins, straps and patterned stirrups.

Loading...

Summary

Object Statement

Suit of armour and horse tack, possibly insignia of samurai officer Koma Kaemon of Bizen clan, textile / leather / wood / lacquer / metal / paper / fibre / hair, Japan, Edo period, possibly 1775

Physical Description

The collection consists of body armour, textile underclothing, textile banners, horse armour and storage material. The armour bears an insignia claimed to be that of Koma Kaemon Samurai officer of the Bizen clan. The Body armour components are: a cuirass (do), thigh guards (haidate), sleeve armour (kote), shoulder guards (sade), a face mask (mempo), neck guard and throat ring and Helmet (kabuto). The underclothing components are: breeches, jacket, sleeveless jacket, belt and neckties. The horse tack consists of: saddle, stirrups, halter, reins, girth strap and bit. The storage materials consist of storage boxes and wrapping papers. A banner is also part of the armour and horse tack collection.

DIMENSIONS

Height

1430 mm

Width

800 mm

Depth

520 mm

HISTORY

Notes

An entry in the museum's accession register from the time of purchase (1948) states that the armour belonged to Koma Kaemon, a samurai officer from the Bizen clan. This has not been verified. Purchased by the museum from Lawson's auctioneers, Sydney, in 1948. Earlier provenance unknown.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased 1948

Acquisition Date

27 April 1948

Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.

Image Licensing Enquiry

Object Enquiry