This is certainly an exceptionally rare piece. Sadly, it is only a picture I found and cannot verify its authenticity. Notice how the shinjia was made from non-overlapping lamellas and the arms used chainmail. Actually, I think that the lamellas are laced onto the chain mail.

Judging from the helmet (if this was indeed one suit) then I would estimate this being from the early Ming period. Although honestly, this suit looks awfully new for a historical piece.

It seems to look like "begter" armour (mixed type of plate & chain mail), which was widely spread after XIV century. It was already used by Jungars, Koreans and Mongols. Some peculiarities such as chain-mail sleeves are obvious but the type of the armour seems to be quite common for XIV-XVI centuries.

By the way, the non-overlapping lamellae were used in the "jiayi" (the brigandine type coat of armour) of Korean vice-admiral Li Bangsang (XVIII).


Best regards,

Alexey.

The chain on the sleves is very open, often a sign of modern reproductions....

This could be a museum reconstruction.

would cloth have been worn over the armor? Like the sash/waist protector that I always see in 3Kingdoms type illustrations. I really dig the helmet, stylish

I have rechecked my notes. This form of chainmail + fengqiaokui combination are consistant with the close bodyguards of the Emperor.