Egawa Details.

[Chris Davies]

Started an “embellishment” of my.. Kiritsuke Iyo Zane. Sugake odoshi Sode. (Is that correct discrimination?) I’ll let the photos show my efforts 🙇🏻

[Chris Davies]

This is the work so far. Updates to follow x

[uwe]

The description is right. One can argue if iyozane or wide kozane, but that is insignificant, I think.

[Chris Davies]

I’ve worked more on the “enhancements” of the sode. I’ve looked up these details and not found much. When was this “trim” introduced? Does it date armour? Is it a specific katchushi? 

[Chris Davies]

Finished 🙂

[uwe]

Very well done 👍 

What do you mean with “when was this trim introduced”?

[Chris Davies]

Hi Uwe. Thanks 😁👍🏼 What I was wondering is, was it carried over from Osode? The white and orange “pipping” seams to only appear on tosei sode or dou. 👍🏼

[uwe]

Chris,

unfortunately I can’t tell when fusegumi (伏組) or jabara-ito (蛇腹糸) came into fashion. These “cords” were usually used to cover the butt edges between different e-gawa, as you might know…

[Chris Davies]

Thank you Uwe for your reply. And understand it’s a detail that appears on many armours! But one I love and think it adds a quality detail. I’ll endeavour to research it and try to find out more 🙇🏻

[Bugyotsuji]

Re Piping.

Red & white. Auspicious? Maybe this piping also incorporates the Japanese idea of harmonizing opposing sides, like the amalgamation of Shinto and Buddhism. It is said that the reversible red and white caps that elementary school children wear reflect the tradition of the Genpei wars, between the Taira/Hei and the Minamoto/Gen. A subtle statement of neutrality, of respect for both sides?

[uwe]

Interesting interpretation,Piers! 
I wasn’t aware of this. So the red/white piping is not fusegumi in a common sense?!