Armour ‘Tosei Gusoku’, Japan

Mid-18th century

Tosei Gusoku is one of the many types of Japanese armour and was widely used on battlefields during the 15-16th century. Built for defense and flexibility in a form similar to that used in the West, its design change as battle methods altered.
This suit belonged to a family in Hokine-Han (now Shiga-Ken) . It is from the collection of Yiyinaoyoshi of the Yiyi family, who held a major position under the warlord General Tokugawa during the Edo period. Gusoku means simple armour suit.