The Art of War Exploring the Colors of Samurai Armor

Samurai armor is more than just a protective gear. It’s a symbol of status, a reflection of personality, and a canvas of rich symbolism. One of the most intriguing aspects of this armor is its color. The choice of color in Samurai armor was not random. It was steeped in mythology, symbolic meaning, and even practical considerations. This article will help you understand deeper about samurai armor’s color:

Table of Content

• How did Samurai Armor gets the color?
• What is the most popular color for samurai armor?
• Samurai Color Meanings

How did Samurai Armor gets the color?

Lacquer on the metal parts (mainly kozane) and colorful cords form the aesthetic samurai armor appearance.

Japanese lacquer, known as Urushi 漆, is renowned worldwide for its beauty and craftsmanship. In fact, the word "Japan" itself was used in Europe in the 17th century to refer to lacquerware in general. Urushi is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, which grows exclusively in Asia. The most common colors for lacquer in Samurai armor are red and black, for their rich, glossy finish.

The cords on Samurai armor, known as "odoshi," are traditionally made from silk, hemp, cotton, and tanned deer skin etc. In ancient Japan, the colors of these cords were derived from plant-based dyes, often sourced from plants with medicinal properties. For instance, Caesalpinia sappan was used to produce red dye. Major colors for these cords include red, white, and green. Within a single set of armor, or even on individual kozane (small lacquered scales), different colors and patterns are often combined to create intricate designs.

What is the most popular color for samurai armor?

Black lacquer, also known as kuro urushi, was frequently used to complete various pieces of armor. The process of lacquering Samurai armor was intricate and typically performed by a lacquer artist specialist, not the armor creator. This implies that armor workshops probably employed a lacquer expert who could handle the fundamental procedures. The lacquer was used to provide a shiny finish, which, although striking when fresh, quickly revealed scratches and fingerprints. If the armor was to be colored or adorned in some way, additional colored layers or metallic dusts could be layered over black base coats to boost their shine.

The color of Samurai armor cords (Odoshi) came from various natural dyes. For instance, the extracts of madder and gromwell were used to create different colors. However, the use of these dyes could damage the molecular structure of the silk fibers used in the lacing, leading to its decomposition.

A lot of samurais liked to use bold colors like red for their armor. But, the most popular color picked was dark blue. This is mostly because lacing dyed with indigo can resist damage from ultraviolet rays better. The color choice was not regulated and was often based on personal preference rather than being indicative of rank or family. The Samurai did not associate colors with virtues in the same way that the Victorians and early students of heraldry did. There is no evidence that the colors chosen for an armor represented any family or clan allegiance.

Some warrior families that were related also showed a liking for certain colors. For instance, the Taira clan liked purple lacing and the Fujiwara clan liked green. There were also multi-colored combinations that didn’t follow the standard patterns, these were known as iroiro odoshi (varied color lacing). If one color faded to white at the bottom, it was called nioi and if it was reversed, with white at the top, it was called susogo.

Samurai Color Meanings

Samurai wear their armor during formal events and critical battles, and the color of their armor is an important part to their faith. They believed these colors gave them spiritual power to help achieve victory, as defeat meant death and the loss of their armor. Samurai relied on the physical protection of their armor and the mystical power of the colors. These colors also intimidated enemies and boosted the samurai's confidence. Below we list the common color themes in many samurai armors and explain their meaning:

Red 赤
Red symbolizes vitality and the source of all life, the sun. It is the most used color in existing national treasure armor. It also serves as a color for warding off evil spirits, which is why Shinto shrine gates (torii) and the felt on hina doll displays are red.

Pure White 白
Pure white symbolizes an unyielding will that doesn't get influenced by other colors, representing a strong determination. It is a very elegant color. When white is placed on top of other colors, it's called “katashiro."

Deep Indigo 紺
Deep indigo, traditionally called "fukaki hanada," is a sophisticated dark blue achieved through repeated indigo dyeing. Indigo dyeing has antibacterial and insect-repellent properties, making it a color that wards off evil. Some national treasure armors still exist in this color.

Sky Blue 浅葱
Sky blue evokes a feeling of a vast heart, like a clear, wide-open sky. A national treasure armor in this color exists at Itsukushima Shrine, reflecting Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.

Fresh Green 萌葱
Fresh Green is the color of green onion, symbolizing strong vitality. It was a favorite color for young warriors during their first campaign.

Purple 紫
When Prince Shotoku established the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System, he chose purple as the symbol of the highest rank. It contrasts beautifully with the red of diamond stitching.

Dawn Blue 曙
Dawn blue is the color of the sky 30 minutes before sunrise, gradually brightening from the darkness, symbolizing a new beginning and a lucky color.

In conclusion, the color of Samurai armor is a fascinating aspect of Japanese history and culture. It was not merely a matter of aesthetics, but also a reflection of personal preference and practical considerations. The use of natural dyes, the preference for bold colors, and the significance of color fading techniques all contribute to the rich tapestry of Samurai armor. Despite the lack of regulation or symbolic meaning, the choice of color in Samurai armor was a unique form of self-expression. It is a testament to the individuality and creativity of the Samurai, who were not just warriors, but also connoisseurs of art and culture. The Samurai armor, with its vibrant colors and intricate designs, remains a captivating symbol of Japan’s illustrious past.

Some antique Samurai Armor: