Muromachi Hishi-Toji Samurai Armor

Description

The Muromachi Hishi-Toji Samurai Gusoku (laced suit of armor) is an exquisite piece that replicates the armor worn by high-ranking samurai during the late Muromachi to Sengoku Period. This Gashira class armor is expertly crafted with a Tosei Okegawa Ni-mai Do (hinged 2-piece breastplate) and consists of 14 individual steel armored plates, meticulously hand-laced with high-quality Doshi (cotton lace). The assembly process, which takes over 50 hours, ensures a detailed and authentic creation.

The O-Sode (shield-like shoulder armor) showcases vibrant kebiki-odoshi style lacing (full lacing), giving the armor a striking and traditional appearance, akin to the legendary samurai warriors. Genuine leather overlays, painted with traditional Japanese patterns, and decorative metal trim known as “fukurin” adorn the armor plates, adding to its historical accuracy and visual appeal. The mon (clan symbol) of the maedate (helmet crest) further enhances its authenticity.

Handcrafted with traditional materials by skilled katchû-shi (Japanese armor smiths) at Iron Mountain Armory, the Muromachi Hishi-Toji is a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of samurai armor. This armor set not only serves as a functional piece of history but also as a captivating display of artistry and dedication.

Features:

• Full-Sized and Fully Functional: Designed to fit individuals between 5.5 and 6.0 feet tall, with adjustable fittings for various body types.
• Authentic Materials: Made from high-quality steel, silk, and genuine leather, ensuring durability and historical accuracy.
• Handmade Craftsmanship: Crafted by skilled armor smiths using traditional techniques, resulting in a historically accurate reproduction.
• Distinctive Design: Features vibrant kebiki-odoshi style lacing, decorative metal trim (fukurin), and painted leather overlays with traditional Japanese patterns.
• Complete Set: Includes the full armor set, a display stand, and a lacquered storage box for convenient display and preservation.

Item Specifics:

• Primary Material: Steel, silk, leather
• Type: Armor
• Color: Multi-colored lacing
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Reproduction
• Featured Refinements: Yoroi
• Region of Origin: Japan
• Age: Pre-1800
• Maker: Hand made

Dimensions:

• Display Size: Approximately 67 x 30 x 30 inches (170 x 76 x 76 cm)
• Product Weight: Approximately 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 55 lbs (25 kg)

Historical Background:

The Muromachi period (1336–1573) was a significant era in Japanese history, characterized by political upheaval, cultural transformation, and the rise of the samurai class. This period saw the Ashikaga shogunate establish its headquarters in the Muromachi district of Kyoto, giving the era its name. It was a time of both artistic flourishing and intense military conflict, as regional warlords, known as daimyos, vied for power and influence.

During the Muromachi period, the samurai were not only warriors but also patrons of the arts and culture. Their armor reflected their martial prowess, social status, and aesthetic sensibilities. The introduction of new armor styles, such as the Tosei gusoku (modern armor), marked a significant evolution in samurai armor design, emphasizing both protection and mobility.

One of the most notable conflicts of this era was the Onin War (1467–1477), which marked the beginning of the Sengoku period (Warring States period). This conflict plunged Japan into over a century of civil war, during which samurai armor and weaponry were continually refined to adapt to changing battlefield tactics and technologies.

The Muromachi Hishi-Toji Samurai Gusoku embodies the essence of this transformative period in Japanese history. Each piece of this armor set is a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the samurai, capturing the spirit of an era where art and warfare were inextricably linked. The vibrant lacing, decorative metalwork, and traditional materials used in this armor set not only provide a glimpse into the past but also celebrate the enduring legacy of the samurai warrior.