For most of China's history, lamellar armour and, to a much lesser extent, scale armour were the most widely used armour types in Chinese armies. The use of lamellar armour declined during Ming period, having given way to the more convenient yet no less protective brigandine. Nevertheless, it never disappeared completely from Chinese arsenal.
Generally speaking, there were several different styles of lamellar or scale armour in use during Ming period.
This type of armour was one of the most recognisable of Chinese armours, and was usually reserved for the highest ranking commanders and Jin Yi Wei (錦衣衛). It could be of either lamellar, scale, mountain pattern or even mail construction, or a composite of multiple types. As this type of armour was often ornamental in nature, it was usually made of bronze or gilded iron/steel. Field armour of this style also existed, but never common.
Generally speaking, there were several different styles of lamellar or scale armour in use during Ming period.
Traditional Song Dynasty-style "Ornate" Armour
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| Section of an early Ming Dynasty religious scroll painting, depicting a Chinese commander in an ornate suit of composite armour. Shanxi Museum. |
