Japanese Samurai Armor

__________

The Japanese armor as we know it now evolved from earlier versions consisting of massive metal plates between the 10th and 11th centuries. However, it did not complete its evolution until the 12th through the 15th centuries. Samurai still rode horses and used bows as their primary weapons during the start of this time period, which we can refer to as the "Middle Ages."

The basic design of the authentic  samurai armor has not changed significantly throughout time. Hundreds of tiny iron or leather plates had to be tied together using silk or hide strips in the traditional construction method. Later, by employing larger, riveted plates or silk-tied plates like for the old armors, such construction was made simpler. Lacquer was frequently applied to iron to prevent corrosion, and this practice persisted for 600 years.