Armpit guard with maki-e design of Gion-mamori crest

This armpit guard was stored in a chest with a suit of armor owned by Tachibana Muneshige. Armpit guards were usually used in pairs but only one piece was found in the chest. From its old-fashioned shape, it is considered to have been created around the mid-16th century.
It is made of iron, covered with chestnut-colored leather. The gold maki-e design on the leather surface depicts a talisman of the Gion-sha Shrine tied to cedar leaves. It expresses Muneshige’s belief in Gion Faith.