Lamellar Armor (byang bu'i khrab)
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Lamellar Armor (byang bu'i khrab)
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: Tibetan
- Medium: Iron, leather
- Dimensions: H. 38 in. (96.5 cm); W. 29 in. (73.7 cm)
- Classification: Armor for Man
- Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.318
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Tibetan or Mongolian
possibly 12th–14th century
Tibetan
17th–19th century
Tibetan or Mongolian
late 15th–early 17th century
Tibetan or Nepalese
18th–19th century
Tibetan or Chinese
14th–16th century
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