Japanese Dou Armor

By Crusader1307

Dou was a type of breastplate (or chest armor), used by the Warrior-Class known as The Samurai. Originally, they were constructed of small iron or leather plates – riveted or sewn into place by silk or wire. Often overlaid to created the needed reinforcement protection needed, The Dou was developed around the 14th  Century. With European contact, many of the more elaborate Dou were replaced with European single-piece Cuirass Armor. Often lacquered (for climate protection), The Dou was made to be strong against the many different Sword weapons a Warrior might encounter. Normally made with thick leather backings (for some comfort), in some cases they were painted or otherwise adorned. The Dou was not resistant to the advent of firearms (but were still used nonetheless).