This is the front section to an Edo Period Samurai Cuirass, or Dou, circa 1820's - 1860's. A full set of armor would include the chest armor (Dou), iron or leather plates hanging from the front and back of the Dou to protect the hips and upper legs (Kusazuri), iron or leather rectangular plates to protect the shoulders (Sode), armored glove like sleeves to protect the forearms (Kote), a helmet made of iron or leather plates ranging from 3 to 100 to protect the head (Kabuto} some times with a neck protector (Shikoro) facial armor made of leather or iron (Mengu or Menpo), small guards made of cloth with small iron or leather guards to protect the thighs (Haidate) and shin guards made of iron splints connected by chain armor (Suneate). This front section of the Dou is made or five horizontal iron plates riveted together. It has been lacquered black to a high gloss, and still shines like a new penny. The inside of the guard had been padded. This particular Duo has been hinged on the left side below the arm pit. It has been embellished with a gold Mon, or family crest, of a cresting wave, as well as other decorative pieces along the top of the chest protector. The Kusazuri consists of three sets of leather guards, made of five plates each hung horizontally from the bottom of the Duo. The top four have been lacquered black, while the bottom plate from each set has been painted gold and impressed with the same wave as on the Duo. The Kusazuri are suspended from the Duo with brown woven cord. I believe the Samurai that wore this armor was an officer, and not an ordinary foot soldier. This thing has some incredible display power!

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