Post by jk on Apr 18, 2005 21:34:16 GMT -5
Left in the picture is called 'doo jung gap' which literally means 'rivet head armor'.
Steel plates(usually for cavalry or higher rank) or hardened leather plates(usually for foot soldiers or lower rank) are rivetted inside of outer coat which usually made of thick cotton or silk.
This type of armor was preffered during Chosun dynasty because it was easy to wear, provided good mobility & protection especially against projectile weapons.
(Plates are attached from inside in overlap pattern, makes them less prone to gapping problem)
One of the best example of 'doo jung gap', probably made by top class craftsman. Sent as a present from Chosun court to Japan.
Dragon ornament on the shoulder actually has a function: they protect shoulder against sword strike.
In some cases, those ornaments have joints which makes them collapsible, for easier wielding of arms.
Picture of what believed to be common soldier's breast plate or inner layer of officer's armor. (for extra protection)
Large iron plate rivetted to black cotton shell, an interesting piece which resembles in appearance of modern bullet-proof vest.
