Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Photography and portraiture - What does bear hair in Japanese armor mean?

What does bear hair in Japanese armor mean?

Bear skin used for decoration and beautification.

This kind of bear skin is usually sewn or stuck on the nail plate as a luxurious design element. In the past, bears were regarded as symbols of strength and bravery, so bear hair was used for armor decoration to show soldiers' bravery and fighting ability. This bear hair decoration can increase the majesty of armor while protecting the head and shoulders. The bear hair of Japanese armor not only has practical protective function, but also has cultural symbolic significance, which embodies the courage and honor of Japanese samurai. In a word, the bear hair of Japanese armor is a special decorative element, which represents the unique characteristics of Japanese samurai culture and history.