A Japanese armor under the Monte Rosa

After the archaic models, created in imitation of Korean and Chinese armaments, the first Japanese armors were devised between the 9th and 12th centuries. The one preserved at Palazzo Silva dates back to the first half of the 19th century and is composed of elements crafted by different artisans, as was common during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is mounted on a fine mannequin from the late 19th century with Japanese features. The samurai carries a wakizashi sword with a hilt and fittings made of engraved steel, and the blade is enclosed in a sheath of black lacquer.