This suit of armor bears the crest of the powerful Ikeda family. The helmet dates to the 14th century, and the suit—including the bear-fur shoes—dates to the 18th. The Ann & Gabriel Barbier ...

In the 10th century samurai guarding the emperor and aristocrats began to wear colorful armor, reflecting the capital's elegance. High-ranking samurai practiced mounted warfare, shooting arrows ...

These values began to develop very informally as early as the ninth century among the samurai warrior class, as various ideas circulated about the characteristics of an ideal warrior. Having ...