Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a Boy

Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a Boy

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Surcoats for children are very rare. This example probably was made for use in the Genpukushiki ceremony, in which the son of a samurai family was officially recognized as an adult and which usually was held when the boy was between the ages of twelve and fifteen. The fine materials and workmanship of this surcoat indicate that it was made for a member of an upper-class family.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Surcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a BoySurcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a BoySurcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a BoySurcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a BoySurcoat (<i>Jinbaori</i>) for a Boy

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.