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Samurai armour

Discover the way of the Japanese warrior.

The samurai were an elite military class of soldiers and officials. They were retained by feudal lords called daimyo from whose ranks rose many of the leaders, known as Shoguns, who effectively ruled Japan between 1192 and 1868. Samurai means ‘one who serves’, and members of the samurai caste followed a strict code of conduct known as bushido, or ‘the way of the warrior’.

Wearing the correct armour and carrying the right weapons were vital aspects of being a samurai. This splendid suit of armour dates from the early 19th century. By this time, Japan was a relatively peaceful country and armour was worn more for show than for practical reasons.

Made from black-lacquered iron plates tied together, the armour was flexible, allowing its wearer to move freely. The armoured skirt, called a kusazuri, shields the thighs, while the arm coverings combine protective chain mail with fine blue silk. The helmet, or kabuto, with its bristling moustache, was designed to strike fear into the enemy.

The samurai warrior typically carried two swords. Different styles were popular at different times, but during the Edo period (1600-1868) the long katana sword and shorter companion sword known as a wakizashi were most commonly worn. For formal ceremonial occasions, these were replaced with a slung sword or tachi and a dagger.

When the Emperor regained power in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, he began to issue laws to reduce the power and status of the samurai class. Samurai were no longer permitted to carry swords in public and a national army was established which conscripted men from across society.