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Actions Displays	Samurai Armour Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number04008 TitleSamurai Armour CreatorSamurai DescriptionThis formidable suit of samurai armour dates from the mid-18th century. It belonged to a mid-ranking warrior and includes armoured sleeves, shoulder guards, thigh and shin guards. The samurai were an elite military class of soldiers, scholars and officials. They served feudal lords (daimyo) from whose ranks rose the military leaders, known as Shoguns. These Shoguns largely ruled Japan from around 1192 till 1868. Samurai means ‘those who serve’ - they dedicated their whole life to serving their master and were loyal until death. They followed a code of conduct based on honour known as bushido (the way of the warrior). It was also important to wear the correct armour and carry the right weapons. Japanese armour was made from iron and leather scales, sewn into strips and lacquered to help protect it against water. These strips were tied together with silken cords, making an armour plate. This effectively made it resistant and flexible at the same time. The kabuto (helmet) is complete with face mask (mempo) that covered from the cheekbones to the chin. It has a bristling moustache and snarling mouth, designed to strike fear into the hearts of enemies. In its design, shape and ominous intent, it bears a startling resemblance to Star Wars baddie, Darth Vader! By the 19th century the role of the samurai had diminished and there was a growing demand for change. The Emperor regained power in the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and began to issue laws to reduce the power and status of the samurai class. Production placeJapan, Object nameSamurai Armour War

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number04008

TitleSamurai Armour

DescriptionThis formidable suit of samurai armour dates from the mid-18th century. It belonged to a mid-ranking warrior and includes armoured sleeves, shoulder guards, thigh and shin guards. The samurai were an elite military class of soldiers, scholars and officials. They served feudal lords (daimyo) from whose ranks rose the military leaders, known as Shoguns. These Shoguns largely ruled Japan from around 1192 till 1868. Samurai means ‘those who serve’ - they dedicated their whole life to serving their master and were loyal until death. They followed a code of conduct based on honour known as bushido (the way of the warrior). It was also important to wear the correct armour and carry the right weapons. Japanese armour was made from iron and leather scales, sewn into strips and lacquered to help protect it against water. These strips were tied together with silken cords, making an armour plate. This effectively made it resistant and flexible at the same time. The kabuto (helmet) is complete with face mask (mempo) that covered from the cheekbones to the chin. It has a bristling moustache and snarling mouth, designed to strike fear into the hearts of enemies. In its design, shape and ominous intent, it bears a startling resemblance to Star Wars baddie, Darth Vader! By the 19th century the role of the samurai had diminished and there was a growing demand for change. The Emperor regained power in the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and began to issue laws to reduce the power and status of the samurai class.

Production placeJapan,

Object nameSamurai Armour

War