Publisher's Synopsis
The Coloring Book of Armor showcases a remarkable selection of
armor in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, giving
artists of all ages the opportunity to explore a wide range of designs
from a variety of countries.
Initially developed for an eminently practical purpose - to protect the
wearer from injury - armor may take the form of body coverings or
objects held in the hand. Any material that can serve as a hard shell or
cushion was put to use; not just metal, but also bone, leather, and
even silk. Armor also fulfilled other functions. When decorated with
magical or religious symbols and texts, it could invoke the powerful
assistance of outside forces, including gods. Should it fail to deflect
harm, it would at least help to save one's soul. When featuring the
emblems of a community or a leader, it fostered a sense of belonging.
When made of or decorated with precious metals, it denoted rank and
resources. Popular motifs included flowers and leaves, birds, winged
lions, and geometric patterns. Armor made for horses was effective at
evoking the anatomy of mythical beasts such as dragons, thus instilling
fear in the enemy.
There are more than 30 line drawings for coloring, including a
dragon-shaped shaffron (horse's head armor) used in tournaments by the
future Henry II of France; the highly decorative suit of armor worn by
George Clifford, a favorite of Elizabeth I of England; a 17th-century
Japanese helmet in the shape of a sea conch; distinctive armor of chain
mail and steel plate from the Indian kingdom of Sindh; and a
19th-century Native American shield of buffalo hide. Photographs of all
pieces are provided, allowing you to follow the original coloring - or
you may decide to create your own dazzling color schemes. The book also
features a concise description of each item, highlighting its origin,
materials, and function. This delightful introduction to an
extraordinary art form will inspire you to learn more about armor and
what it can tell us about our ancestors and different traditions and
cultures around the world.
