Yoroi Anatomy Explorer
A suit of Japanese armor is a system of named components. Here a real suit is numbered — click any marker, or any term beside it, to study that part: its Japanese name, construction, and the functional reasoning behind it.
Front view · select an armor type
Representative Tōsei-gusoku · Tokugawa Hidetada
Marker positions are approximate.
兜
Kabuto
Helmet
The helmet protecting the head, built from riveted plates crowned by a tehen (apex).
Description
The kabuto is the most individuated element of a Japanese armor. The bowl (hachi) is formed from radial iron or lacquered-leather plates riveted and lacquered, often fitted with a frontal crest (maedate) and a laminated neck guard (shikoro) that also shielded the shoulders.
Construction
Hachi of iron or lacquered leather plates; shikoro of lacquered lames; fukigaeshi (turn-backs); maedate crest; tehen apex fitting.
Study note
The shape of the hachi and shikoro is a primary identifier of period and school.
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