The Great Armour, O-yoroi

O-yoroi or also known as Great armour was primarily used between the 10th and 13th centuries. Modern period armours are commonly displayed in an erected state, whereas the O-yoroi was kept in a folded state. The picture scroll of the Mongol invasion attempts against Japan in the 13th century also depicts the O-yoroi in a folded state. This is because the cuirass of the armour before the 13th century was not bound at the upper and lower parts of nagakawa (a part of the cuirass which is wrapped around the torso). This enables the armour to be folded.

Warrior in kogusoku style

Ko-gusoku is a light equipped style that was usually worn while samurai warrior was relaxing during battles.

The edge of the right sleeve has a cord which is put through the opening of the sleeve to tie it up and hang it on the middle finger.

Warrior general putting on an armour with assistance

Osode (shoulder guards), kyubi-ita (a left chest protector) and sendan-ita (a right chest protector) are fitted and mounted in sequence.

Warrior in O-yoroi armour

O-yoroi armour with swords

A short sword is inserted into the waist cord while the long sword is in his hand. There is no upper belt unlike the typical component of modern armours.

Back side of O-yoroi armour

A quiver is hung on the right side of his back, and a bow is in his left hand.

Warrior in Omodaka armour

A warrior attendant wears a red armour with a lace pattern of omodaka (arrowhead-leaf), and holds a naginata (halberd) in his right hand. The headgear is a traditional cap for samurai called “samurai eboshi”.

Warrior holding a nagingata

A warrior attendant wears a helmet and holds a naginata (halberd) under his right arm.

Warriors in armours and helmets

A warrior general and his attendant are wearing their helmets. The general is fastening his helmet with its braid.

Warriors in a sitting position

A warrior general is sitting on a shogi (folding stool) and his attendant is waiting for orders.

Warrior holding a bow

Bows in this period were not as arched as the ones of the modern era.

Warrior shooting an arrow

A warrior general fits a karimata (forked head) arrow to the string.