A RARE AND IMPORTANT IROIRO ODOSHI HARAMAKI (CLOSE-FITTING CUIRASS)

Muromachi period (1333-1573), late 15th/early 16th century

Muromachi period (1333-1573), late 15th/early 16th century
Constructed of iron and leather moriage hon kozane (individual scales) lacquered black and laced together in rows in multi-colored silk and leather, with much of the original lacing intact, including the blue-dyed leather lacing running through the lower rows of the cuirass and connecting the top lames of the seven sections of lacquered rawhide kusazuri, the two lower lames laced in multi-colored silk, with the muna-ita, waki-ita, and oshitsuke no ita decorated with lacquered same and shakudo bosses, the edges trimmed with gilt-copper fukurin, much of the gilt-copper hardware original to the cuirass; with an armor stand and wood storage box
With Tokubetsu Juyo (Especially Important) certificate no. 12042122 issued by the Kokusai Nihon Kachu Bugu Shinko Kyokai (International Society for the Promotion of Japanese Armor)

Haramaki (literally "belly wrapping") armors were first produced during the late fourteenth century and were worn almost exclusively by retainers who commonly fought on foot. Gradually, however, in response to changes in military techniques, higher ranking warriors found they needed armor that provided more mobility than the traditional boxy o-yoroi. The haramaki offered close-fitting protection around the torso, and the seven separate sections of kusazuri (as compared to four on an o-yoroi) allowed for greater ease in walking and running. By the fifteenth century many high-ranking warriors were wearing haramaki and their patronage resulted in the production of high-quality examples.

This lot is a remarkably well preserved, retaining much of the original lacing and gilt-copper fittings. The blue-dyed leather lacing running through the lower section of the do and connecting the kusazuri in unbroken lines confirms the near-original condition. The multi-color silk lacing is in keeping with Muromachi-period fashion. Near ubu haramaki are extremely rare.

For a haramaki of similar age and comparable condition in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/22683; for other haramaki registered as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, see Morihiro Ogawa, ed., Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868, New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2009, cat. nos. 8 and 9.