Surcoat (Jinbaori)

Japanese

Not on view

A high-ranking samurai would have worn a jinbaori over his armor for protection against the elements and as a display of his status and his mon (family crest). This example shows on the back a triple tomoe crest enclosed within a lozenge (hishi) and on top of the vent a shishigami (also referred to as shigami), the angry face of a lion symbolizing the animal's strength and bravery and protecting against evil.

Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>), Wool, silk, metallic yarns, velvet, glass, Japanese

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Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>), Wool, silk, metallic yarns, velvet, glass, Japanese
Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>), Wool, silk, metallic yarns, velvet, glass, Japanese

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