Armour in Japan has a history that goes back as far as the 4th century. Japanese armour developed enormously over the centuries since its introduction to the battlefield. It was worn to varying degrees by numerous classes; most notably by the samurai (and by default the ashigaru), and was seen on the battlefield both on mounted and foot troops. The pinnacle of Japanese lamellar armour is generally accepted as being the ō-yoroi (大鎧?, literally 'great armour') type.
Read more about Japanese Armour: History, Construction, Individual Armour Parts, Auxiliary Armours, Clothing Worn With Japanese Armour, Auxiliary Items Worn With Japanese Armour, In Popular Culture, Individual Samurai Armor Parts, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words japanese and/or armour:
“The Japanese are, to the highest degree, both aggressive and unaggressive, both militaristic and aesthetic, both insolent and polite, rigid and adaptable, submissive and resentful of being pushed around, loyal and treacherous, brave and timid, conservative and hospitable to new ways.”
—Ruth Benedict (1887–1948)
“How happy is he born and taught
That serveth not another’s will;
Whose armour is his honest thought,
And simple truth his utmost skill!”
—Sir Henry Wotton (1568–1639)