Armor with Dark Blue Lacing (with Helmet and Large Sleeves)

A Late Heian Armor Laced with Hemp

The Armor with Dark Blue Lacing (with Helmet and Large Sleeves) (紺絲威鎧〈兜、大袖付〉) is a late Heian great armor owned by Oyamazumi Shrine in Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one suit with helmet and large shoulder guards, 76.0 centimetres high, the helmet bowl 12.5 centimetres and the shoulder guards 41.0 centimetres, owned by Oyamazumi Shrine.

According to the Agency, shrine tradition holds that it was offered by Kono Michinobu, a commander under Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Construction

According to the Agency, flat black-lacquered iron and leather scales alternate, laced closely with dark blue thread, edged with woven braid and decorated with red leather cross-stitching. The fittings are covered in leather dyed with peony roundels in a lattice and edged with gilt rims.

The helmet is a round bowl with prominent rivets, eleven rows of seven, and a five-tier neck guard with four tiers turned back; the shoulder guards have six tiers.

What to Look For

The Agency notes that, despite some repairs, it keeps its original form and shows the features of late Heian armor; few armors of this style survive, and the use of hemp for the lacing is notable.

Notice how much of its original form survives, and the hemp lacing.

Visiting the Armor with Dark Blue Lacing (with Helmet and Large Sleeves)

Check Oyamazumi Shrine's announcements for display.