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3. Samurai sleeveless protective vest, manjuwa Japan first half of 19th c. silk and gold brocade, lacquered leather plates, embroidered silk, dyed suede |
The samurai or warrior class wore distinctive clothing associated with armor, the protective suits made of articulated plaques of lacquer, leather, metal and silk cords. The shimmering brocade of this short sleeveless vest conceals lacquered leather plaques strung together to provide additional protection under armor. The choice of decorative motifs on it is very appropriate to the battlefield: confronting dragons are images of power inherited from China; the tortoiseshell designs embroidered on the collar are a wish for long life; the miniscule irises which appear on the fine suede edging are called shoba, symbols of fidelity in the samurai code. Itemcode: 6 |