Armour - Japan - E3-581 7 Hon Shino Suneate of Samurai Yoroi Edo Period (1600-1868)

This Japanese armour piece is a 7 Hon Shino Suneate from the Edo period (1600-1868), part of traditional samurai Yoroi. Suneate are protective guards designed specifically for the shins, essential for foot and lower leg protection in close combat situations. 'Hon Shino' refers to a style of chain or lamellar armour plating, which would have been laced and constructed to allow mobility while offering defense. Edo period armor typically balanced the warrior's need for protection with mobility and ceremonial aesthetics due to the era's relative peace. Samurai armor components like this shin guard provide valuable archaeologic and artistic insight into feudal Japanese military culture and the craftsmanship skills employed in armory production during this influential period.