Shibokawa, Dou Maru, Samurai Armor, Japan
A very unique piece, in amazing condition. This Samurai torso armor (Dou), like many armament pieces has passed through multiple hands and tells many stories. The turtle shell style pattern of steel plating woven into the leather exterior of this piece was most likely developed as horse armor during the Momoyama period utilizing a Sashiko style threading. Often as what happens during warring periods items are re-used or re-purposed after a battle. This particular piece was later taken and re-purposed into armor for a foot soldier during the early Edo period with fittings (Muneita) to shape it to the body.
Iron, Leather & Silk
Circa: 1568 - 1868, Momoyama/ Edo
A very unique piece, in amazing condition. This Samurai torso armor (Dou), like many armament pieces has passed through multiple hands and tells many stories. The turtle shell style pattern of steel plating woven into the leather exterior of this piece was most likely developed as horse armor during the Momoyama period utilizing a Sashiko style threading. Often as what happens during warring periods items are re-used or re-purposed after a battle. This particular piece was later taken and re-purposed into armor for a foot soldier during the early Edo period with fittings (Muneita) to shape it to the body.
Iron, Leather & Silk
Circa: 1568 - 1868, Momoyama/ Edo
A very unique piece, in amazing condition. This Samurai torso armor (Dou), like many armament pieces has passed through multiple hands and tells many stories. The turtle shell style pattern of steel plating woven into the leather exterior of this piece was most likely developed as horse armor during the Momoyama period utilizing a Sashiko style threading. Often as what happens during warring periods items are re-used or re-purposed after a battle. This particular piece was later taken and re-purposed into armor for a foot soldier during the early Edo period with fittings (Muneita) to shape it to the body.
Iron, Leather & Silk
Circa: 1568 - 1868, Momoyama/ Edo