Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868 | Past Exhibitions

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868


Dō-Maru Gusoku Armor with Black Lacing and Three-Branched Deerhorn Helmet Momoyama period, late 16th century Iron, lacquer, leather, wood, papier-mâché, and silk; H. of helmet bowl: 7 in. (17.8 cm); H. of cuirass: 15 3/8 in. (39 cm) Private collection Important Cultural Property On view October 21–November 29

Honda Tadakatsu (1548–1610), the original owner of this impressive armor, was among Tokugawa Ieyasu's most trusted commanders: the Shi-Tennō, or "Four Trusted Retainers," a name normally applied to the Four Guardian Kings of Buddhism. Honda, who followed Tokugawa into battle more than fifty times, was appointed lord of Kuwana Castle in Ise province (present-day Mie Prefecture) in 1601. The helmet of his armor was well known for its distinctive wakidate ("side crests") in the form of a deer's antlers, probably made of lacquered papier-mâché on wood, and was called the "Mitsumatakazuno" ("three-branched deerhorn helmet"). (See a detail of the helmet.) In a scroll painting also included in the exhibition, Honda Tadakatsu can be seen wearing this, his favorite armor, and a large gilt-wood rosary slung over one shoulder. The armor was so highly regarded that it inspired a copy, also in the exhibition, that was made approximately one hundred years later for his young descendant, Honda Tadataka (1698–1709).