Cuirass of a Tanko. Culture: Japanese. Dimensions: H. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); greatest W. 16 3/4 in. (42.6 cm); greatest D. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); Wt. 8 lb. 9 oz. (3884 g). Date: late 5th-6th century.The earliest known armors worn in Japan were of either the keiko type or the tanko type seen here. The keiko is of lamellar construction, with overlapping bronze or iron scales laced together with leather or fabric. The tanko is constructed entirely of horizontal iron plates joined by rivets. The tanko's rigid cuirass, shaped to the body, is higher in the back and opens at the center front; the right front panel (missing in this example) is hinged at the side to admit the body. The complete tanko would have included the helmet of plate with a deep neck guard, neckplates, shoulderplates, arm guards, and a deep skirt. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.