弦走韋 String Running Leather or Tsurubashiri no Kawa

What is Tsurubashiri no Kawa of Samurai Armor? 

This refers to the patterned painted leather (Egawa: deer leather) that covers the entire chest of the cuirass (Do) of the O-yoroi. It serves to prevent the bowstring from catching on the head of the small plates (Kozane) of the body. This part is adorned with a central motif. It is also believed to have served the purpose of maintaining the shape of the body. The pattern varies depending on the era.

See more terms related to samurai armor in this samurai armor glossary

Samurai armor parts explained

Samurai armor history and types