Samurai Foot Covering

Iron armored samurai foot guard (karuta kogake) for the right foot. Eight curved, metal plates (karuta) coated with dark brown lacquer that conform to the shape of the wearer's foot. Plates are connected to one another with twisted links of mail (kusari) woven together in a four-in-one pattern. The exterior fabric is mostly hidden beneath the armor but is of blue silk with gold brocade in a complex geometric and flower pattern. The interior fabric is blue. Above the armored portion, a panel of stenciled leather covers the ankle. The entire foot guard has a trim (fusegumi) of decorative white, black and green thread sewn in a herringbone pattern. The left and right-most plates which would protect furthest back on the foot are each perforated with two holes. These holes are reinforced with metal fittings through which a loop of blue silk cord is strung.