Suit of Armor (Helmet and Coat)
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Caption
Suit of Armor (Helmet and Coat), 18th–19th century. Silver, gilt-copper, leather, lacquer, nephrite jade, suede, silk brocade, horsehair, fur, velvet, helmet: 27 in. (68.6 cm) bowl of helmet: 10 in. (25.4 cm) neckguards of helmet: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) crest of helmet: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) coat: 42 x 49 in. (106.7 x 124.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 22.1971a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Suit of Armor (Helmet and Coat)
Date
18th–19th century
Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Geography
Place made: Korea
Medium
Silver, gilt-copper, leather, lacquer, nephrite jade, suede, silk brocade, horsehair, fur, velvet
Classification
Dimensions
helmet: 27 in. (68.6 cm) bowl of helmet: 10 in. (25.4 cm) neckguards of helmet: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) crest of helmet: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) coat: 42 x 49 in. (106.7 x 124.5 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
22.1971a-b
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more
This is a ceremonial uniform from the Joseon Dynasty that was worn by soldiers during special occasions like parades!Even though it wouldn't have been worn in battle the numerous metal studs recreate the studs that were used to attach protective plates to the interior of functional armor.What is this coat made out of?
The red is silk pile; the brown trim around the neck and arms is otter fur; the gold studs are made from copper; and the whole jacket is stuffed with cotton to make it warm.Tell me more.
This ceremonial uniform is similar to those worn by ceremonial palace guards in Seoul today. The numerous metal studs recreate the studs that were used to attach protective plates to the interior of functional armor. The fine materials of this coat and helmet indicate they were more for show.Tell me more.
This uniform would have been worn by a high ranking member of the military for ceremonial occasions. It isn't actually armored, but the numerous metal studs recreate the way that armor plates would be attached to the inside of actual battle dress.The carved jade dragon at the forehead is unusual in this type of helmet and indicates that this uniform belonged to an especially high ranking individual, likely a member of the royal family.Tell me more.
This helmet is part of the ceremonial military uniform that officials would have worn in the late 19th century and that the ceremonial palace guards in Seoul wear today!You'll notice a carved jade dragon in the center of the forehead of the helmet which is quite unusual and indicates that this uniform belonged to an especially high ranking individual.Dragons were symbols of the king and heaven. When combined with the phoenix, as they are on this helmet, the phoenix became a symbol of the queen.What is this armor's origin?
This is a ceremonial military uniform that would have been worn by a high-ranking official during the Joseon dynasty (late 19th century) in Korea.It was purchased by a New York designer from a shop in Seoul and later acquired by a Brooklyn Museum curator, Stewart Culin, in 1922.Thank you.
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