Armour and helmet (kacchū) with multicoloured lacing

Armour and helmet (kacchū) with multicoloured lacing​

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Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property (designated 1901)
Made: Nanbokuchō period (14th century), restored in Hōei 7, 1710
Toyohara Kitashima Shrine, Kitashima, Oku

Dimensions:

 A large suit of armour in the iroiro odoshi style, where lamellae are laced with colorful cord, in this case in shades of turquoise, azure and burgundy. A motif of lions and peonies is depicted on the ornamental leather of the breastplate and the curved plates of the helmet bowl. There are several beautiful metal fittings, notably the kuwagatadai helmet crest mounting and the suemon kanamono badges on the helmet flaps, which are decorated with a branching chrysanthemum pattern.
 Based on typology, it is thought that this armour was made in the 14th century. There is however a competing theory, as legend has it that this armour was dedicated to what is now Toyohara Kitashima shrine by Sasaki Moritsuna, a late 12th century warlord in the service of the Minamoto clan. 
 This armor was featured in the "Shūko Jusshu", a compendium of masterpieces from across the nation compiled by Matsudaira Sadanobu, a member of the shogun’s council of elders during the Edo period.​

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Cultural properties in Setouchi city

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