The pieces were then lacquered to provide greater durability. In artistic style, the craft of armor was no doubt mainly a reflection of the art of court culture, however utilization of court art for ornamenting battle wear was an ironic twist.įor lightness, the armor was made by lacing together iron plates and cowhide. The technique of braiding, which developed from about the 8 th century, saw it’s most effective use in armor. After that, it became customary to use designs symbolizing bravery and heroism such as the legendary lion or dragon. Such designs of flowers and alike are seen only up through the 13 th century when the influence of the old court culture was still strong. The ancient warriors of Japan thus had their armor designed in colors as elegant and brilliant as the finery of court ladies. This was due to the fact that plant dyes were made from indigenous vegetation, and also perhaps reflected the Japanese love of the changing seasons. The patterns of the armor of this period often reflected the season of the year in which it was made. Iron, lacquer, braided silk, brocade, leather wood, horsehair, and metals including gold. Some armor suits feature ornaments made of pure gold Armor braid was sometimes dyed a dozen times to obtain the desired color. In the same manner that the clothing of the aristocratic ladies of the court indicated their artistic taste, the warriors who rose up from the provincial regions manifested their artistic taste in their own formal armor. The braids, the main function of which was to lace together the iron plates forming the armor itself, were dyed in brilliant hues. These examples of armor, as well as the rounded form of the helmet and the deep rich colors, all show the influence of an elegant art form. The armor of this period is particularly classical in style and is known as O-yoroi, or grand armor, referring to it’s extravagant splendor. The 350 years encompassing the era of the Genji-Heike conflict and the period of the ensuing Shogunate regent government, founded by the victors, formed a golden era in the history of Japanese battle armor.
However, perhaps the most distinctive feature of the armor at the time of the Genji and Heike War, was the fact that it was highly decorative, much more so than was warranted by it’s fundamental protective purpose. When the warrior swings his sword at the enemy, the armored panels protect him from attack from behind. When attacking the enemy, the sleeve became a shield and together with the helmet made the horseback warrior a sort of human armored tank as he charged forward. Iron plates known as Kyubi and Sendan protected his chest when the warrior was ready to fire. In order to approach the enemy at close-quarters it was necessary for the attacker himself to be sufficiently protected. Cavalry dashed within range of the enemy and then released their arrows. Battle in those days was conducted on horseback. There ensued a period of wars between two powerful clans, the Genji and the Heike. In the 12 th century, the early centralized state began to disintegrate. Tank iron helmet and armour with gilt bronze decoration. However it was not until regional warriors began to make their own armor that armor distinctively Japanese in style came into being. Although almost no examples of armor of this period exist today, it is believed that it was from about this time that the form of armor began to undergo change. Among them were figures of warrior deities.
The introduction of Buddhism from the Chinese continent brought many kinds of Buddhist idols to Japan. In the 6th century, Japan thirsted for cultural knowledge. From the latter half of the 4 th century to the 5 th century, Japan was in a period of constant warfare. The warriors of old went to great pains to see that their armor, destined for such rough handling and destruction, was made as attractive as possible. Arrows, spears, wet by the rain, sullied by the mud, and trampled underfoot. In battle, it was the armor that bore the brunt of enemy attacks.