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Japanese Edo

Suit of Armor, 1854

Description

Maker

  • Unknown

Culture

Japanese

Title

Suit of Armor

Year

1854

Medium

Lacquered iron, silk, leather, wool fabric
and cords

Place

Japan

Type

  • Fashion,
  • Arms and Armor

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Leonard Colt

Object Number

43.033ak

About

This suit of armor was modeled after 16th-century prototypes known as tōsei-gusoku, characterized by their durability and flexibility as well as lightness.

The breastplate and back plate are hinged together on one side and fastened on the other. From them, a five-tiered protective skirt (kusazuri) is suspended with dark blue silk lacing. Under the skirt, a protective apron (haidate) made of lacquered iron plates and chain mail enhances the armor’s formidable appearance. The simple helmet complements the suit’s elegance and austerity, its neck guard (shikoro) extending downwards in tiers of horizontal strips. An iron mask juts out beneath the helmet, its fierce expression challenging any would-be attacker.

Despite its sturdy construction, this armor was never intended for battle. It probably made a handsome display for its owner, highlighting the family’s rank and status.

Japan
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Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Bushido

November 1, 1985 - February 9, 1986

Use

The images on this website can enable discovery and collaboration and support new scholarship, and we encourage their use. This object is in the public domain (CC0 1.0). This object is Suit of Armor with the accession number of 43.033ak. To request high-resolution files or new photography, please send an email to imagerequest@risd.edu and include your name and the object's accession number.

Feedback

We view our online collection as a living documents, and our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you have additional information or have spotted an error, please send feedback to curatorial@risd.edu.

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