Armor with Purple Twill Lacing (with Large Sleeves)

The Oldest of the Rare Twill-Laced Armors

The Armor with Purple Twill Lacing (with Large Sleeves) (紫綾威鎧〈大袖付〉) is a Kamakura-period great armor owned by Oyamazumi Shrine in Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one suit with large shoulder guards, the body 68.2 centimetres high and the shoulder guards 43.0 centimetres, owned by Oyamazumi Shrine.

According to the Agency, armors laced with twill are rare: only this one, the pale blue twill armor of Itsukushima Shrine and a green twill armor at Oyamazumi Shrine are known.

Construction

According to the Agency, flat black-lacquered scales alternate with leather scales; the lacing has a hemp core wrapped in purple twill with a small hollyhock pattern (a later replacement). The cross-stitching is red leather, the skirts and side panel have four sections of five tiers, and the body flares at the hem.

The fittings and leather areas are covered with leather dyed with lions in roundels on a floral lattice, with gilt rims. The shoulder guards have six tiers with a ring on the back. The helmet is missing, and the edge braids, cross-braids, front leather and cords are later replacements.

What to Look For

The Agency regards this as the oldest of the twill-laced armors, dating it to the early Kamakura period from the design of its dyed leather, decorative fittings, scales and metal rims.

The Agency notes that, though the helmet is lost and some parts replaced, it keeps its original form well and conveys a grand and splendid character.

Visiting the Armor with Purple Twill Lacing (with Large Sleeves)

Check Oyamazumi Shrine's announcements for display.