Torso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> Style

Torso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> Style

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Japanese name for this type of armor, nishiki zutsumi nimaidō, refers to the materials with which it is decorated and to the form of its construction. The exterior of the breast and back are wrapped with an elaborate silk brocade (nishiki zutsumi). Its basic construction is made in two halves, which are joined by a hinge on the left side (nimaidō). In addition, it is highlighted by somegawa (ornately stenciled doeskin). The breastplate and backplate of this remarkably well preserved dō are made of large iron plates, rather than the kozane (small overlapping scales) frequently found on Japanese armor. The interior, an area usually covered only with lacquer or plain leather, also has stenciled doeskin, an indication of its high quality. The fittings are made of shakudō, an alloy of copper and gold in which the finished surface is patinated a bluish black. They are finely chiseled with Paulownia blossoms and arabesques and are among the best examples of this type of metalwork. The kusazuri (skirt) consists of eight sections, the bottom edge of each being lushly trimmed with bear fur. The colorful odoshi (silk lacing) is equally an integral part of the armor's construction and its decoration. Very few armors of this form, quality, and condition have survived in Japan or anywhere else.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Torso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> StyleTorso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> StyleTorso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> StyleTorso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> StyleTorso Defense (<i>Dō</i>) in the <i>Nishiki Zutsumi Nimaidō</i> Style

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.