Surcoat (Jinbaori) 18th century Japanese The surcoat (jinbaori) is a short, sleeveless coat worn by samurai over their armor for protection against the elements and as a display of status. They are typically decorated with embroidery and eye-catching fabrics. This jinbaori is painted with a large, writhing dragona motif not often found on surcoats. The crest (mon) is that of the It? family, lords (daimy?) of Obi, Hy?ga Province (Miyazaki Prefecture).. Surcoat (Jinbaori). Japanese. 18th century. Silk, cotton, linen, pigments. Surcoat