~ Late 18th Early 19th Century Japanese Do ~
Here we have a Japanese Do or cuirass used by Japanese soldiers, before the end of the Sakoku period in 1853.
This Japanese cuirass made of lacquered iron plates and silk, the cuirass comes with an armoured skirt attached to the base of the breast and backplate. This is a very nice example of well made Japanese armour, designed to give protection and maintain mobility.
The armour bears a gilt or golden paint regiment or clan marking on the breastplate.
The bindings and silk fibres holding the armour together are intact if a little worn with age.
The armour features one very interesting detail, the breast and backplates have a hinged construction that opens on the left hand side to allow access to the wearer.
~ Dimensions ~
The set is is 27 inches (68.5 cm) from shoulder band to the bottom of the protective skirt.
The breastplate is 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide.
The breastplate is 10 inches (25.5 cm) deep.
The breastplate weighs 4.3 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The cuirass and protective skirt are in good condition for their age.
There is some loss of lacquer from some of the plates and some fading of the paint on the chest.
The fabric holding the armour together shows some evidence of fraying and age but is in good condition and in no danger of breaking.
#1378