Lamellar Armor (byang bu'i khrab)

Unknown

possibly 16th–17th century · Iron, leather · Arms and Armor

Featured prominently in imagery of dharma protectors and legendary heroes, and often included among votive offerings to wrathful deities, Tibetan lambellar armor has several distinct features. The body forms a sleeveless robe made from twelve or more rows of iron lamellae joined by an intricate pattern of leather laces. Its distinct waist results from the lamelae of that row being bent in a subtle curve. Some armors have shoulder defenses, and a few have full sleeves. The coat opens down the front, and the back of the skirt is split vertically by a seam at either side. Sometimes trimmed with silk brocade, the majority have a simple border at the base of the skirt consisting of narrow flaps of thick leather.

Artist

Unknown

Date

possibly 16th–17th century

Medium

Iron, leather

Culture

Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2001