Shield

Culture Japanese

Datelate 1700s–1800s

Mediumiron and lacquer

Dimensions77.5 × 48.3 cm (30 1/2 × 19 in.), 5 lb 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.619

DescriptionThin iron, embossed; single handle riveted to center rear. Face bears 2 bonji characters, with a lion face above.

Auction catalogue entry pasted inside: "377 Large Iron Shield. Lion's head at top and characters in centre in repousse. Lacquered within. A very unusual shape. Sixteenth century. Height 30 1/2 in. Width 19 in."
Label TextAlthough shields were not much used by the samurai, they were sometimes carried by Japanese footsoldiers. This example, made during the peaceful Edo period, and bearing Sanskrit symbols and lion decoration, is likely to have been purely ceremonial.ProvenanceKano Oshima bought the shield in lot #172 on October 10, 1932 in Morosini Armor Sale #3986 at American Art Galleries. The Museum purchased it from Oshima (NYC) on October 15, 1932. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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