AUCTIONS IMPERIAL ARMS & ARMOR NOVEMBER 2023
Lot 176:
Description
Comprising a very rare and distinctive cuirass of the Luoluo of Sichuan, now known as the Yi. The thorax is composed of 12 molded, hardened and intricately polychromed lacquered leather plates and the skirt of six rows of lamellae, all fastened together with hide lacing, and an en suite pair of armguards of hardened and black-lacquered hide, together with the large shield of circular form, composed of wood covered in lacquered leather, polychromed in characteristic bordered solar disk motif in saffron and orange, with hide strap intact to the reverse. Comprehensively 16th-18th century, possibly earlier. Minor scuffing and losses to shield, one armguard age-cracked, with applied hide band, losses to hide and decoration on reverse and obverse of shield. The type represents an enduring tradition of arming in south-western China; C.J. Peers, Soldiers of the Dragon, Oxford: Osprey, 2006, 138, notes, "Nan-chao [Nanzhao] infantry of the 8th-13th centuries would have worn virtually identical equipment." Mid-19th century. Diameter of shield 66cm/ 26”. Stand not included. Condition III
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