Shoulder Guard (Ō-Sode)

Unknown

mid–late 14th century · Iron, leather, lacquer, silk, gilt copper · Arms and Armor

Large square sode are the earliest form of shoulder guards used in Japan. This rare, unrestored example is almost contemporary with the Ashikaga armor in the center of this gallery.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid–late 14th century

Medium

Iron, leather, lacquer, silk, gilt copper

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Bashford Dean, 1914