Samurai armour
Photogallery
Samurai armour
Japanese parade armour for a high-ranking member of the Shimazu House, Daimyo of the province of Satsuma with the capital Kagoshima, of the “Kon kebiki odoshi do-maru yoroi mukashi-gusoku” type. This prized ceremonial example displays exceptionally high levels of craftsmanship.
The family crest of arms, ka-mon, visible on all the pieces of armour, is represented by a cross inscribed in a circle.
The samurai who followed the code of Bushido, “the way of the warrior”, embraced not only the military precepts of loyalty and devotion to his Lord, but also a series of high moral and spiritual principles. The Seven Virtues were Courage, Righteousness, Benevolence, Sincerity, Respect, Honour, and Loyalty, associated with Filial Piety, Care for the Elderly, and Wisdom.