A Japanese all-steel cuirass, pre-Edo period, with reinforced edges and hinged sashimono fittings, the fields with two panels of script and edge with hinge fitting. height 42cm. Provenance: the collection of the late Roald Knutsen (1933-2025). Note: all-steel cuirasses became popular during the early part of the 16th century, when the appearance of firearms on the battlefield gave way to the necessity of more bullet-resistant materials, such as steel. The wearer would need to be aided and essentially locked in, hence the hinge joint to one side. During the more peaceful Edo period, armour became more decorative than functional and these solid steel pieces became redundant. The panels of script are probably a guardianship to the owner.