Mori Clan Samurai Suit

Collaborators: Jennifer Dols (Fashion Design), Chester Dols (Architecture), Daben Lee (Jewelry Design), Ruben Podevyn-Birrell (Sculpture)
Date: January 2015
Materials: 3D Printed Nylon, Casted Resin, Leather, Silk, Cotton, Bronze

The samurai armor was created for a commander of the Mori Clan. The Mori Clan was a strong Japanese daimyo which obtained its wealth and power from control over the Japanese seas. The family's naval influence dates back to the 12th Century. The suit dates to the Late Momoyama Period, c. 1600, and is considered to be a Nuinobedo Tosei Gusoku Armor because of its innovative design which made it more suitable for gunpowder warfare. For example, the chest plate is made long iron pieces laced together vertically to protect against bullets and shrapnel. It is one of the most complete Japanese suits of armor outside of Japan.

Each shoulder guard is composed of over 700 sane pieces, small rectangular iron plates which overlap and are laced together to create large armor panels. The skirt has aver 1400 sane. Each thigh guard has 350 large iron sane.

All armor pieces originally made of iron were 3D printed and cast in resin. The suit took 3 months to design and 3D print and 3 months to assemble. The projects was an exploration into how technology can reconnect us with our cultural heritage.

Was exhibited at Mode Museum Provincie Antwerpen with the "Dries Van Noten Inspirations" Show.