A13342/3

Japanese cuirass or body armour (do) from a panoply of Samurai armour (see A13342); probably late Edo period; generally quite soiled & in poor condition; the metalwork has a coating of dark brown lacquer to decorate and protect the steel from corrosion; the internal lining looks like lacquered metal, but actually seems to be coated paper or hide, now detaching in places; the front suspends three thigh plates (gessan) of strips of lamellar armour, the back cuirass has four; the padded textile section that fits at the front cuirass neckline and shoulders is separate (the left shoulder pad has detached); the lacquer finish is generally fair, but is badly soiled and the textile cords are weak; the back of the cuirass shows holes for the location of a sashimono fitting to hold a banner or similar; considerable conservation would be required to bring this up to display standard.

19th century

cuirass, Japanese armour

metal, textile, lacquer