Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)

Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The surcoat (jinbaori) is a short, sleeveless coat worn by samurai over their armor for protection against the elements and as a display of status. They are typically decorated with embroidery and eye-catching fabrics. This jinbaori is painted with a large, writhing dragon—a motif not often found on surcoats. The crest (mon) is that of the Itō family, lords (daimyō) of Obi, Hyōga Province (Miyazaki Prefecture).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>)

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.