Armour

The Japanese armour, yoroi, was created as protection against arrows. Freedom of movement was allowed by joining separate strips of armour together to form a flexible cuirass. The suits of armour were reinforced when rifles came into use in the 16th century.

During the fairly peaceful Tokugawa period (1600-1868), luxury suits of armour were produced, not for battle but for parades. They were decorated with lacquer work and symbols in gold paint. The associated generals’ helmets were dressed with impressive ornaments.