Antique Edo Period Japanese Lacquer Scales & Chain-Mail Samurai Amour Cuirass

……. This auction is for a rare, Edo (1603–1868) Period Japanese Samurai Armor. This front and back torso section is called a Cuirass, or Do in Japanese. It also retains its attached Tassets, the protective hanging flaps below the waist known as Kusazuri. Together, they provided crucial torso protection while retaining mobility for the Samurai warrior. …… This Cuirass features many small 3” by 2” lacquered metal 'scales' known as lamellar armor. These individual metal plates are called Kozane and are coated in traditional urushi lacquer to prevent rust. They are connected with chain mail, known in Japanese as Kusari, which made this type of Samurai armor both flexible and protective.