Cuirass (Dō-maru)
Not on view
The dō-maru is a close-fitting cuirass with a multisection skirt developed to meet the demand for lighter armor. Of lamellar construction and fastening on the right side, the dō-maru was initially worn in feudal Japan by foot soldiers armed with staff weapons. By the Muromachi period (1392–1573), however, it gained widespread popularity among men of all ranks as foot combat in close quarters became the predominant form of warfare. With its green, white, and vermillion lacing, this cuirass is a rare and fine example from that time.
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