Although Japanese Armor can be mounted on a standing mannequin, the traditional mounting used in Japan is in a sitting position, hands on knees.

In order to effect a traditional mounting of your armor, please follow these steps:

1. Carefully unpack your armor. Replace the top on the empty Yoroi Bitsu (antique armor box), and position the box where you want your armor displayed. Place two small pieces of bubble wrap or other padding material on the front corners of the box. You may wish to affix the top of a strip of padding to each front corner of the base of the stand so that the strip trails down over the box corners. These padding strips will protect the Haidate lining from being ripped or abraded by the box corners.
2. Locate the Haidate (split armor skirt that protects the thighs) and place it against the box front, with the top of the armored section level of the top of the box. Tie the Haidate waist band around the back of the armor stand to suspend the Haidate in position. Experiment with arranging the Haidate at a height and position that is pleasing. Remember that the top of the skirt will be covered by the Kusazuri, and that the bottom should be far enough off the ground to leave space for the Suneate. ^(Tip) It some times helps to use a little "painters tape" to hold the center of the Haidate up, to help presentation.
3. Place the armor stand in the center of the box top. ^(Tip) We recommend placing a cloth or paper on the top / center of the box to prevent the stand from scratching the surface of the box when adjusting the stand for proper positioning.
4. If the Do has been separated into its component sections for shipping, reassemble it by placing the enclosed pins in the hinge like elements at the left side of the do, and at the back of the shoulders to attach the shoulder straps if necessary. After assembling the Do, ask another person to stand by to assist you. Carefully lift the entire Do by the ridge on the plate that covers the nape of the neck, and slide it around the armor stand using the opening in the right side. Position the shoulder straps on either side of the “neck” of the armor stand and, while you hold the Do in place, ask your assistant to fasten the Watagami (shoulder cords) around the toggles at the top of the front plate. You can now release the weight of the Do onto the stand, close the right side using the loop and cord present on either side of the opening, and carefully arrange the Kusazuri (tassets) and Tata-age (Brigantine collar and shoulder pads), if present (depending on armor model). Adjust the Do so that it sits forward and “fills out” rather than falling in. ^(Tip) Slide the stand towards the front center of the box so the front Kasazuri (tasset) drapes over the Haidate in a slight angle. This will give more of a natural appearance.
5. Tie the Obi (belt) around the waist of the Do. Samurai used many different, personalized methods of tying their belt, some simple knots and other more eliberate, so experiment to find what looks best for you. ^(Tip) The belt should be tightened enough so it doesn't sag or slip down off the Do, but not to tight where it pulls the Kasazuri inward.
6. Locate the Kote (armored sleeves) and slide the provided padded bolsters into the Kote; this will "fill out" the Kote. Then use the two cords at the end of each, to connect with corresponding loops or toggles located on the top of each shoulder strap of the Do. Slide the corresponding cords with the corresponding loops then tie them together. (The Sode will cover the cords in the next step) ^(Tip) It is sometimes helpful to lift up the Tata-Age (shoulder flaps) and slide the Kote sleeve under to help keep sleeve from falling when tieing. Traditionaly the hands rest on the thie section of the Haidate or on the Obi. ^(Tip) When adjusting the Kote, pull the elbow outward and drape the hand down to your desired position, to give the arms a more "natural" look.
7. Locate the Sode (Shoulder Panels). These will attach to corresponding toggles on the top of the shoulder strap of the Do.
8. Locate the Mempo (mask). If the nose piece of the mempo has been detached from the chin for shipping, reattach it using the two small “L” shaped studs at the corners of the mouth. ^(Tip) You may have to squeeze slightly in on the ears of the mask which dropping the nose piece over the studs. Place the Mempo tying cord over the wooden hemisphere at the top of the armor stand (the “head”) and secure it with a flat thumb tack. Drop the mempo over the "chin" or "nose level post" to press the Mempo out. Use the cords attached to the mempo to adjust the Mempo accordingly. The Yodarakake (Gorget) which hangs from the bottom of the mempo, should be fully spread and lay over the chest outside the Do.
9. Locate the Kabuto (Helmet). Carefully lift the Kabuto and place it on the wooden hemisphere at the top of the armor stand (the “head”). Let the Shikoro (neck guard) fully spread and fall behind over the shoulders. Adjust the helmet and mask for the best appearance – traditionally, with the helmet canted slightly forward so that the edge of the brim is level with, and about 1 inch in front of, the bridge of the nose of the mask. The helmet tying cords can then be looped around the chin of the mask and the neck. Samurai used many different, personalized methods of tying the helmet cords around the mask, passing under the chin, around the “L” shaped studs on the cheeks, and even under the nose! Experiment to find what looks best to you.
10. Locate the Maedate (forecrest) and (depending on model) Wakidate (Side Crests), fit these gently over the appropriate shanks on the helmet.
11. Locate the Suneate (shin guards) and two included padded bolsters. Roll each Suneate around it's bolster. Wrap the two tying cords around and tie them with a stout bow in front. Stand the Suneate next to each other, lining up under the shoulders, leaning against the front of the Yoroi Bitsu (armor box).

Japanese-Amor.com is always happy to provide you with any assistance or advice with mounting, display, conservation or repair issues, you may have with your Japanese armor. If we can be of assistance in anway please do not hesitate to contact us.

References:

1: Shogun Art - One of the leading, international sources of Japanese fine art and samurai armor. www.shogunart.com