Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>)
armor, 18th century; helmet, 16th century; restorations, 2015
Medium
Iron, copper, copper-gold alloy (<i>shakudō</i>), gold, lacquer, silk, linen, felt, leather, horsehair, doeskin
Dimensions
as mounted, H. 40 in. (101.6 cm); W. 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm); D. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm). Wt. 9 lb. 13.2 oz. (4456.5 g)
Classification
Armor for Man
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Accession Number
2018.833.1a–q
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *gusoku* (full suit of armor) exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese samurai craftsmanship, blending pieces from different eras: the helmet from the turbulent 16th century and the main armor from the more peaceful 18th century period. Restored in 2015 by master armorer Hiromichi Miura, it reflects centuries of evolution in Japanese arms, when armor shifted from battlefield functionality to symbols of status and artistry. Samurai wore such suits during feudal Japan's warring states and later as ceremonial garb, embodying the bushido code of honor and resilience. Crafted from iron ...