Suit of samurai armour, Edo period, Japan, 18th century.Steel, leather, cloth and lacquered chain mail.Consisting of helmet, mask, breastplate, shoulder pads, sleeves and thigh guard.Ites with its original polychrome wooden storage box.It has slight faults. Wear and tear due to use and the passage of time.Measurements: 140 x 60 x 50 cm (mounted armour); 54 x 40 x 42 cm (box).Japanese armour, regardless of its evolution over time, always tried tobine protection with mobility, so that the warrior had an acceptable freedom of movement. For this reason, the "gushoku-shi", the master craftsmen of this art, always sought materials that would allow this balance, such as metal and leather.The armour presented here consists of a kabuto or helmet from which hangs a shikoro neck protector. The somen (mask covering the entire face) is polychromed in black. It was intended as facial armour designed in such a way that the heavy helmet could be tied and secured to it by several metal stakes. The breastplate, sleeves (kote) and thigh guards (haidate)bine earth-coloured cloth, leather and steel.The samurai's interest in distinguished armour arose in the Edo period, a period considered peaceful, also known as the Era of Unbroken Peace (1603-1868). In this period, the absence of war led to less activity on the part of the samurai, who were, however, required to report regularly to the court of the Shogun or armymander. The catwalk or parade that they had to walk until they reached themander gave rise to a desire to exhibit the samurai's armour as authentic works of art. Thus, the armour became a showcase for the arts of many craftsmen (embroiderers, blacksmiths, weavers, etc.).At the end of the Heian period (794-1185), the first full armour as we know it today began to appear, made from sheets of iron bound together with strips of leather and silk cords, which again allowed for increased mobility and lightness. In fact, the manufacture of armour became soplicated that by the 19th century it was considered an independent art, "odoshi-gei". Thus, in the 18th and 19th centuries, armour would include numerous variations designed to reflect the clan and rank to which the warrior wearing it belonged. Special mention should be made of the colours, not only because of their association with certain families but also because of their symbolic content. In fact, the colour white corresponds in Japanese culture to mourning, and if it appeared on a suit of armour it represented the conviction to give up one's life in battle. This progressiveplication, however, generated considerable controversy, as the intricacy of the silk and leather weaves made it easy for enemy weapons and projectiles to get caught in them during battle, and their nooks and crannies could harbour mould and parasites.Dimensions: 140 x 60 x 50 cm (mounted armor); 54 x 40 x 42 cm (box).