The Japanese Collection - Armour

The collection of armour, helmets and masks on display, mainly date from the Edo period (1603-1868), but also much earlier items, including a 14th century helmet bowl, make up this imposing collection.

The elaborately made armour and its fantastic present condition is testament to the attentive skill of Japanese armourers. Many of the masks that accompany the armour on display, would have been made to represent the wearer in some way, and in some cases include teeth and facial hair. Secret pockets and compartments for items such as medicine bottles and tobacco can also be seen on the armour in the collection.

The suits of armour were expertly installed by John and Liz Anderson for the 2008 Easter opening, with the installation featuring on local ITV news.