Samurai Armour

Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic o-Yoroi (‘great armour’), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the haramake (“belly wrap”) armour, worn by the ashigaru men-at-arms – a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467–1615); explore the many types of classic Dō-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative kabutos (helmets), haidate (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental mempo (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies.

With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers.