"Dōmaru Armor" is a national treasure armor owned by Oyamazumi Shrine in Ehime Prefecture.

This time, we will talk about replicating this national treasure armor.

This is a unique armor that combines the characteristics of O-yoroi and Domaru, and is an excellent piece made at the end of the Heian period. After Minamoto no Yoshitsune won a great victory in the Genpei War, it was donated to the military commander Sato Tadanobu as a proxy, and is called the "Yassotobi no Yoroi" (Yasotobi Armor). This type of armor is the only one that exists today, and is a very valuable relic.

We will start production immediately.

[Preparation] First, I create basic data by referring to various sources. I have seen this armor in person many times before, so the information from those times is also useful.

[Drawing dimensions]

Based on the research, we calculate the dimensions of each part and create a rough shape out of cardboard.

[Temporary assembly] The armor fabric is accurately produced based on the calculated dimensions and a temporary assembly is performed. The overall balance is adjusted before processing begins.

[Lacquer painting]

Black lacquer coating. By applying multiple coats of lacquer, it will have a deep glossy finish.
Each component is bound together with braided silk cord.

 

[Odoshi]

The word "odoshi" is said to have evolved from "odooshi." It is the process of threading the small metal plates with string and binding them together.

The original armor is made of red silk, but the silk threads have discolored over time.
This time it is bound with red silk thread, the original color.
Osode (equipment to protect the shoulders) and Kusazuri (equipment to protect the thighs).

[Leather factory]

The dimensions of the leather shop are decided. A prototype is made based on the research data. First, a temporary model is made using steel plates and then adjusted.

The leather fabric is made from a pattern created based on the prototype. This time, a 1mm thick brass plate is used. Each part is cut out with a jigsaw. A film is attached to the brass plate to prevent scratches during the process.

[Fukurin]

The fukurin is attached to the edge of the leather. It serves the role of decoration and reinforcement. After this, it is polished and oxidized silver plated.

[Metal fittings]

One of the main features of this armor is the open fan pattern. It was made based on research materials. Each piece is hand-carved from copper plate. The delicate lines are very beautifully expressed. It is also polished and plated with ivory silver.

【assembly】

Once all the parts are ready, it's time to assemble it.

The sandalwood plate on the chest and the dovetail plate are characteristic of o-yoroi.

A metal fitting with an open fan crest is attached to the crown board of the large sleeve.

Images from each angle. This is the complete set. This armor is missing a helmet. It may not have existed in the first place, or it may have been lost... Either way, this is a very valuable armor that is the only one of its kind in the world.

Finally, I created the helmet part. It is not included with the real thing, so I researched the period thoroughly before making it.

September 08, 2022