High Tang Dynasty Armor 大唐明光甲

I have recently taken the liberty of making this piece of concept art of an imperial officer in full combat regalia during the High Tang era- consisting of the reigns of Empress Wu, Zhongzong, Ruizong, and the long reign of Emperor Xuanzong. I have always found the Tang helmets during this era really reminiscent of the early samurai armors, what's more interesting is that the Chinese themselves would discontinue such helmets while it became a common fixture of Japanese armor for a millennium afterwards.

 Lokapala (Celestial Guardian) from Yulin Cave 5 in Gansu China. Most of the Tang helmets 

for the high ranking military officers have extended cheek pieces- in this case neck protectors 

(termed Shikoro in Japanese) that were phased out in succeeding Chinese dynasties, 

however, they would become a common fixture for the samurai helmets in Japan.

Many Tang officers wore the distinctive "Mingguang armor," distinguished by the twin breastplates that protected the torso, relatively lighter than the heavy lamellar armor- it was often preferred by the officer corp, these armor often marked the high status of its wearer- one of the reasons that many of the Tang dynasty tomb guardian figurines wears such armor. Early Heian era samurai helmets were influenced by these cavalry helmets- especially the cheek pieces.

Another Celestial Guardian from Yulin Cave 25 Maitreya Sutra in China, displaying a guardian with a helmet with prominent winged cheek pieces- for the samurais of the succeeding centuries, namely during the Hein era- they would term such pieces Fukigaeshi.

A rare example of a Tang heavy cavalryman from the Yulin Cave #25 Northern Wall. The massive plume and orb like object above his head is not attached to the horseman but rather a foreshortened object in the background. The soldier is almost entirely encased in heavy lamellar armor, and carries a distinctive painted lacquer shield with kite- like 4 color motif. In his left hand he carries a battle axe and a bow is slung by his side.

Closeup of of a military parade from the Mogao Caves which displayed the Tang heavy cavalry in full combat gear, supplanted by heralds and ensigns (probably Central Asian auxiliaries) in silk uniforms. The surburst banner depicted here in orange, teal, and a golden center have led some historians to suggest it was the official sigil of the Tang empire.

Tang dynasty scroll discovered near the Mogao Caves 

depicting a Tang officer's armor in detail. 

Note the prismatic belt he wears and the floral motifs 

displayed

☯☯☯☯☯

For more about the Tang military, please check out my

other Tang dynasty pieces.

Tang Military Overview, Tang Dynasty Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Tiger Crown Troops, 

Tang Imperial Officer, Tiger Crown Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Heavy Cavalry

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