Japanese Armour (200cm tall x 100cm wide x 100cm deep when assembled)

O-Yoroi armour

This is a set of Samurai armour called O-Yoroi, or great armour. Samurai were warriors in feudal Japan, loyal to a shogun or daimyo. They were skilled in many fighting skills, especially the sword.

This is the oldest style of Samurai armour, made during the reign of the Tokugawa Shoguns. It is made from many scales of leather, laced together with cord then lacquered. This is much lighter and more flexible than iron which is only used under the left arm to give extra protection from swords and arrows. This armour would have been worn during battles, probably while on horseback, or at ceremonial events by lords or generals.

A detail from the back of the O-Yoroi armour

Japanese armour was very expensive and took up to a year to make. It signalled the wealth and rank of its owner. Armour was sometimes traded to other Asian countries and sent as gifts to the leaders of other nations including several Emperors of China and King James 1st of England.

The helmet section of O-Yoroi armour