Shoulder Guards (Sode)

17th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 380

While not immediately recognizable as shields, Japanese shoulder guards performed a similar function; they primarily served to protect the wearer against arrows. Here, rows of contrasting white and orange silk lacing connect rows of lacquered iron and leather scales. The lacing arrangement creates a prominent mitsudomoe design, a symbol closely associated with Hachiman, the Japanese god of war and archery.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Shoulder Guards (Sode)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron, silk, leather, gold, silver, lacquer, brass
Dimensions: Left (14.100.51a): H. 16 in. (40.6 cm); W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm); D. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 14.2 oz. (1762 g); Right (14.100.51b): H. 16 in. (40.6 cm); W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm); D. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 14.1 oz. (1759 g)
Classification: Armor Parts
Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1914
Object Number: 14.100.51a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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