Surcoat (Jinbaori)

18th century
Not on view
The surcoat (jinbaori) is a short, sleeveless coat worn by samurai over their armor for protection against the elements and as a display of status. They are typically decorated with embroidery and eye-catching fabrics. This jinbaori is painted with a large, writhing dragon—a motif not often found on surcoats. The crest (mon) is that of the Itō family, lords (daimyō) of Obi, Hyōga Province (Miyazaki Prefecture).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Surcoat (Jinbaori)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Silk, cotton, linen, pigments
  • Dimensions: H. 38 1/4 in. (97.2 cm); W. 23 1/2 in. (59.7 cm)
  • Classification: Surcoat
  • Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
  • Object Number: 2018.833.7
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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