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Japanese samurai armor,18th-19th centuries

1.(far left) 18th century,iron lacquer gold silver copper alloy leather silk

 

The helmet crest (maidate) has gilt-copper moon flanked by rising silver waves.The shoulder guards (sode) are decorated in gold lacquer with the image of a rabbit springing from seafoam,possibly a reference to Chikubushima,a popular Noh play.

 

3.(center) Armor (Yoroi),18th century, iron lacquer leather silk

 

During the eighteenth century,there was a revival of interest in medieval Japanese culture.As a demand for historical styles of armor began to,increase among the wealthy lords,contemporary armorers studied the older forms and techniques in order to duplicate them.The example imitates a yoroi of the twelfth to thirteenth century.It is characterized by a helmet with prominent rivet heads and a wide,flaring neck guard and by a large cuirass with a separate panel on the right side,large square shoulder guards,and a deep four-sided skirt.

 

5.(far right) Armor (Gusoku),late 18th-19th century,iron lacquer gold silver copper alloy leather silk

 

The breastplate is embossed in high relief with designs featuring a dragon and clouds.

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Uploaded on January 28, 2019
Taken on January 21, 2019