Armor of the Mogamidō Type, Signed by Myōchin Muneharu, mid-Edo period (helmet); signed by Myōchin Muneyoshi, 1849 (chest armor), Edo period, 17th-19th century (mask); 1849 (torso armor). Iron, gold, bronze, silk, leather, and lacquer © Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller

Mogamidō-type armor featured a chest piece made of horizontal plates held together by widely spaced parallel lacing. This one bears the names of two blacksmiths from the Myōchin school. It is a typical example of armor handed down from one generation to the next to which new pieces were added. For this set, the owner of the signed chest armor probably called upon another armorer to make the missing pieces. The artist who crafted the helmet, Myōchin Muneharu, is known for creating a suit of armor that was a diplomatic gift from a Tokugawa shogun to Queen Victoria.