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How did a samurai put on such complicated armor? The usual order
was from the bottom up. First the samurai donned a
short silk kimono and full matching trousers with cords to tie the
silk close to the ankles and wrists. The samurai would put on shoes
and tie leg armor to his shins and thighs. Arm defenses were strapped
in place next. Then he would put on the body armor with hanging skirts,
the shoulder pieces, and the helmet.
Follow and learn how to dress like a samurai from Osamu (we call him
Sam, for short), by clicking the "next" arrow.
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Drawings adapted
from Early Japan: Time-Life Books, The Great Ages
of Man, 1974.
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In the Met's
galleries of Japanese art you can see two large folding screens
that illustrate in minute detail the violent clashes of the
Battle of Hogen (1156) and the Battle of Heiji (1159), two of
the most memorable military conflicts of medieval Japan. What
made these wars, which marked the beginning of seven centuries
of warlord rule, so unforgettable were the superhuman bravery
and heroism of some of the warriors.
You'll see some scenes taken from these magnificent screens on the following pages.
The Battles
of Hogen and Heiji, Edo period (16151868), 17th century;
Japan; pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold
on paper; each 60 15/16 x 11 ft 8 in. (154.8 x 355.6 cm); The
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1957 (57.156.4-5)
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