Armor ("Haramaki") with Black Lacing in the Middle

Haramaki is a type of Japanese armor that wraps around the body and fastens at the back. It was originally used by low-ranking samurai, though it was later worn with shoulder guards and a helmet by high-ranking samurai during the 15th century, when mobility on the battlefield became more important. This haramaki armor is made of horizontal tiers of alternating leather and iron lames fitted together and coated with lacquer, with the tiers tied together using black leather lacing dyed a deep indigo. The edges of the body section and shoulder guards are laced with lavish red, and white cords in a style known as “susodori-otoshi.” The kusazuri skirt protecting the knees is divided into seven small parts to facilitate movement.

The armor is also dotted with studs shaped like chrysanthemums and so on. With its use of various materials and techniques, this haramaki set displays several characteristic features of medieval Japanese armor. This armor would have been worn by an elite samurai of the Muromachi period (1392–1573). The armor is made in a lightweight style called [haramaki] (belly wrap) and is augmented with large shoulder guards. The multicolor cords are both decorative and functional, as they hold the armor together without constraining movement.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.