Age: Edo Period
Provenance: The Shogun Art Collection
Remarks: Date Hidemune, 1591-1658 was a Japanese Daimyo of the early Edo period. He was the eldest son of Date Masamune, born by Lady Iisaka (a concubine). Coming of age while living with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he received a character from Hideyoshi's name and took the adult name of Hidemune. Hideyoshi also granted him the court rank of junior 5th, lower grade (ju go-i no ge) and the title of ji-ju, appointing the young Date Hidemune as a page to his own son Toyotomi Hideyori. After Hideyoshi's death in 1600, he was made a hostage at the residence of Ukita Hideie.
Though he was Masamune's eldest son, Hidemune was born by a concubine, and therefore could not be the successor to the Sendai Domain, which his father ruled. Masamune therefore considered the possibility of having Hidemune start a branch family. This was made possible in 1614, when father and son took part in the Osaka Campaign. Hidemune received the 100,000 Koku Uwajima Domain which Tokugawa Ieyasu granted to Masamune. Hidemune immediately entered his new fief as Daimyo, and ruled until his retirement in 1657.
This suit remained in Uwajima and was handed down through the generations. On a previous occasion it was on exhibit in a Japanese Museum. This is the 2nd Date Daimyo suit we have been priviledged to have and the other can be seen by clicking the photo. Both suits were owned by the same family.
This type of Dou (Cuirass) was variously known as Sendai, Oshu, Yukinoshita. It was introduced by Myochin Hisaiye in the late 1500's. The success of this Dou was due in no small part to Daimyo Date Masamune. Throughout his tempestuous life he had need for a well equipped standing army and was quick to recognize the importance of Myochin Hisaiye's development in armor. This Dou was designed to meet the needs of warriors who fought the battles during the latter part of the 16th century. Designed to provide protection from gunshot, early examples are very heavy. If fact it takes some effort to pick this Dou up because of it's great weight. One will also note a matchlock round indentation toward the top of the Dou. The distinctive form of the Dou was meant to redistribute the weight. Heavy lacquer was also applied to prevent rust. Date Masamune ordered all of his vassals to wear this type of armor.
More details and photos available upon request.
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