| LEGEND TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE PRINT BELOW Print Specifics:
THE ANCIENT JAPANESE MILITARY COSTUME appears at first sight to bear a strong resemblance to that of Europe - the principal elements of European armor ail appear to be present. However, on closer scrutiny, this similarity can be seen to be no more than superficial. With the possible exception of chain mail, the construction of this armor has little in common with its European equivalent. Japanese weapons are light and are made of leather or lacquered papier-mâché. Where armor plating is used, the metal in question is in fact light steel. The sequence of pictures below shows an archer preparing for battle. First he washes ritually, shaving the front and crown of his head and leaving the characteristic spiky tuft at the very top. 1 He dons a silk loincloth. 2 Next is an under robe of light wool, or even silk, which takes the place of the shirt. This is held in place by a knotted belt. 3 He ties up the short, wide trousers in the same manner. 4 He secures his black felt cap with the aid of a silk ribbon. 5 He protects his hands with leather gauntlets, tied on tightly at the wrist with ribbons. 6 He puts on a half robe or lined jacket with wide sleeves. The sleeves are separate from the jacket below the armpits. 7 He now puts on a second, longer pair of trousers. 8 Silk coverings are worn over the lower legs. This helps to secure the greaves to them. 9 When the greaves are in place, the archer lifts up his trousers and inner robe until they are thigh high and fastens them with cords. Then he lets the material fall back down, so that the trousers, which previously looked like a skirt, now look like culottes. 10 He fastens the leather greaves with cords. 11 He puts on shoes made of leather with the hair on the outside. 12 He puts on the first part of the braconniére, that is, the part of European armor that covers the hips, stomach and the thighs. 13 The archer attaches armor to his right hand the same way he fastened his leg-armour: by means of a lining of stitched material. 14 He raises the sleeves of his robe arm to the shoulder and ties them with the cords. 15 He adds on the mobile plates that cover his shoulder and arm. 16 For maximum protection he ties the sections of the braconniére together using string cords. 17 & 18 The archer from both front and back, wearing ail the defensive elements of his armor. 19 & 20 The armor does not prevent movement, since the archer is able to sit on the ground. 21 & 22 The fully armed soldier, ready for combat, carrying a 6 ft longbow. Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy!
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