Yoroi Armor by Ben Germann
This piece is a suit of yoroi armor. It is dated to the 14 th century coming from the late Kamakura period. Yoroi armor is distinguished by its wrap around design. One piece folds around the wearer, and is closed on the right side. The iron has gone through an extensive lacquering process which made the armor completely waterproof. The breastplate is covered by an image of Fudo Myo-o, a powerful Buddhist deity whose fierce demeanor and aspects of calm and inner strength appealed to samurai.
The Kamakura period brought little change to military equipment at first. It wasn’t until the 13 th century that the changes were easily visible. The helmets were made somewhat lower and more rounded. The plates that were fastened to the helmet used smaller rivets. The samurai changed the way they did up their hair for the helmet, with the new style utilizing a cap secured to the head with a sash.
The lacquered iron bits that made up the outer case of the armor were made smaller, which reduced the weight of the armor without sacrificing strength. Armored sleeves that were worn on the left arm sported additional plates that weren’t present in earlier years. First on the forearm, and more were added in later years on the elbow and upper arm. They were all lacquered iron or leather with gilt rims. Shin guards became a standard piece of armor during this period. Changes in armor were brought about near the end of the period. Much of the fighting at this time was done on foot.
Yoroi armor was very heavy for dismounted combat, so samurai instead used the footman’s breastplate, which was closer fitting and much more comfortable. The Kamakura period began the decline of yoroi armor’s popularity for use in battle. It had been in use since the Heian, it wasn’t a bad run in the slightest.