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 help protect the iron plates from the harsh Japanese climate. The inside of the guard has been layered with strips of cloth to provide a little cushion, then lacquered also. 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 Mum. There are no other decorations or embellishments, so this one was probably worn by a non ranking samurai. The Kusazuri consists of three sets of leather guards, made of four plates each hung horizontally from the bottom of the Duo. All four have been lacquered black and have no markings or decorations. The Kusazuri are suspended from the Duo with blue woven cord. While it may not be as flashy as the other Duo listed on the website, it still has some killer display power!

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