Cuirass of a Tankō

late 5th–6th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 377

The earliest known armors worn in Japan were of either the keiko type or the tankō type seen here. The keiko is of lamellar construction, with overlapping bronze or iron scales laced together with leather or fabric. The tankō is constructed entirely of horizontal iron plates joined by rivets. The tankō's rigid cuirass, shaped to the body, is higher in the back and opens at the center front; the right front panel (missing in this example) is hinged at the side to admit the body. The complete tankō would have included the helmet of plate with a deep neck guard, neckplates, shoulderplates, arm guards, and a deep skirt.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Cuirass of a Tankō
Date: late 5th–6th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron
Dimensions: H. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); greatest W. 16 3/4 in. (42.6 cm); greatest D. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); Wt. 8 lb. 9 oz. (3884 g)
Classification: Armor Parts
Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1914
Object Number: 14.100.23
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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