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Actions Displays	Samurai armour Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number03936 TitleSamurai armour DescriptionThis splendid suit of samurai armour dates from the late 18th century but the helmet is in fact much older – we think it was made in the 16th century. It was common to continue using an older helmet, even when new designs of light, flexible armour became available. 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. It is not difficult to see why helmets like these inspired one of the most famous movie villains of all time, 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 nameArmour Military

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number03936

TitleSamurai armour

DescriptionThis splendid suit of samurai armour dates from the late 18th century but the helmet is in fact much older – we think it was made in the 16th century. It was common to continue using an older helmet, even when new designs of light, flexible armour became available. 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. It is not difficult to see why helmets like these inspired one of the most famous movie villains of all time, 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 nameArmour

Military