Overview: In the 10th century samurai guarding the emperor and aristocrats began to wear colorful armor, reflecting the capital's elegance. High-ranking samurai practiced mounted warfare, shooting arrows from horseback. When infantry warfare became the norm, armor lost its practicality and became a symbol of a samurai's power. The elaborate armor they commissioned involved dying, weaving, lacquer, and metal artisans. Discover the beauty within samurai armor that is now upheld as the ultimate in craftwork.