Nanban Tosei GusokuIncorporating a cabasset helmetEarly Edo period, 16th-17th century European armor was brought into Japan through trade with Spain and Portugal in the 16th century. With the introduction of firearms, the Japanese would, in fact, imitate those suits of armor, designed to deflect bullets, and began producing them in Japan, which were collectively called nanban (“Southern barbarian”) indicating a foreign origin.This rare composite authentic Japanese samurai armor incorporates interesting elements made in this style as well as an original European helmet...