Cuirass (Armor for the Torso and Hips) and Greaves (Lower Leg Defenses)

probably late 18th–early 19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 377
The lavish decoration of this cuirass focuses on the theme of archery. The silver character yumi in the center of the breastplate is Japanese for "bow" (弓). Below, there is a golden arrow entwined by dragons. A large shachihoko, a mythological animal that could control rain and therefore create favorable conditions for the use of bow and arrow, is depicted in silver and gold on the backplate.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cuirass (Armor for the Torso and Hips) and Greaves (Lower Leg Defenses)
  • Date: probably late 18th–early 19th century
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Iron, silver, gold, copper alloy, leather, wood, textile
  • Dimensions: H. of cuirass 14 3/16 in. (36 cm)
  • Classification: Armor for Man
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Thomas Mendenhall, by exchange, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.268a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Cuirass (Armor for the Torso and Hips) and Greaves (Lower Leg Defenses) - Japanese - The Metropolitan Museum of Art