Ceremonial Armour

ca. 1707-1730

Originally owned by one of the most powerful families of feudal lords in Japan, the Nabeshima Yoshishige, this suit of armour was probably designed and made by the famous armour manufacturer Miyata Katsusada (1654-1730). His remarkable craftsmanship is evident in the use of iron plates treated with the repousse technique. The decorative elements were obtained by hammering the plates with different tools and embossing the motif from the back. Additional details were intricately chiselled on the front.