Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2014.

Samurai Armor or Ceremonial Armor

Maker Myochin Ki Muneyoshi (Japanese, 19th century)

CultureJapanese

Date19th century

MediumIron, silk, silver, gilt, copper, chain mail, and suede

DimensionsOverall: 58 x 12 in. (147.3 x 30.5 cm)

InscribedThe O-Boshi-Suji-no-Kabuto (low rounded helmet with standing flanges) is signed Myochin Ki Muneyoshi saku (saku means made). The armor and helmet are emblazoned with the heraldic device (mon) of the Akita family of Iwashiro Province and daimyos (feudal lords) in that province. The heraldic device takes the form of a fan with crossed feathers and tassels.

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.3011

Collections

Asian Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 106

DescriptionJapanese armor, including skirt, breast, and back plates, shoulder covers, face mask & helmet. Metal overlaid with printed textile with mythological animals. Body assembled with purple cording; skirt of navy, silver androse brocade. Sleeves covered with wire mesh chain mail. The body armor is of the "Nuinobe-Do" type of the 19th century. The helmet is of the "Suji-bachi-no-kabuto" type, first half of the 19th century.

Label TextSamurai Armor Japanese, 1800–1900 c.e. Lacquered iron, gilding, copper, chain mail, silk, cotton, and paper Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 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.