High Tang Dynasty Cord and Plaque Armor with Restored Colors 明光甲

Tang figurine from the 8th century wearing the distinctive cord and plaque armor, distinguished by the twin breastplates that protected the torso, they were generally lighter than the heavier lamellar armor- and was one of the main reasons they were often preferred by the officer corp. These armor marked the high status of its wearer- one of the reasons that many of the Tang dynasty tomb guardian figurines wears such armor. These shows just how vibrant these multicolored armors were. It was an ostentatious mixture of gaudy woven patterns, silk frills and gilded rims.

A demon killing tomb guardian wearing the cord and plaque armor. Note the extremely intricate designs and many layers of colors and patterns racing across his armor, especially the tiger/ fish like creatures which acted as his pauldrons. The most elaborate cord and plaque armors frequently depicted fierce animals, dragons or demons grimacing outward. 

TOPICS: Tang Military Overview, Tang Dynasty Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Tiger Crown Troops, 
UNITS: Tang Imperial Officer, Tiger Crown Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Heavy Cavalry

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