Samurai Armor or Ceremonial Armor
Myochin Ki Muneyoshi
19th century
Japan
Iron, silk, silver, gilt, copper, chain mail, and suede
71.3011
As the elite soldiers of a daimyo, or feudal lord, samurai were expected to exemplify dignity through their appearance. Craftsmen used lamellar, or metal plate construction, to give the armor its flexibility and scale-like appearance. They also decorated the armor and helmet with family crests to indicate who commissioned it. Look for the fans with crossed feathers and tassels. The motif indicates this suit was made for the Iwaki family of Akita Province, Japan.
Comments