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Shirt of Mail and Plate

late 15th–16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
Shirts constructed of small interlocking rings, called mail, were the principal body defense of Muslim warriors since the time of the Prophet Muhammad. By the late fourteenth century, this flexible defense was reinforced with rigid plates to cover the vital areas of the torso. The engraved and silvered damascened inscriptions on this armored shirt, rendered in a flamboyant kufic script, contain well-wishing phrases utilizing the words "glory" and "wealth."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shirt of Mail and Plate
  • Date: late 15th–16th century
  • Geography: possibly Istanbul
  • Culture: Turkish, possibly Istanbul
  • Medium: Steel, iron, copper alloy, silver
  • Dimensions: as mounted, H. 34 in. (86.4 cm); Wt. 20 lb. 10 oz. (9349 g)
  • Classification: Coat of mail and plate
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.362
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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