Domitor Invictus

Armor (Yoroi) of Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358), Japanese, early–mid-14th century. MET (ID: 14.100.121a–e)

This is a rare example of a medieval yoroi. The yoroi is characterized by a cuirass that wraps around the body and is closed by a separate panel (waidate) on the right side and by a deep four-sided skirt. In use from around the tenth to the fourteenth century, yoroi were generally worn by warriors on horseback.

Originally, this armor was laced in white silk and had diagonal bands of multicolored lacings at the edges of the skirt and the sode (shoulder guards, missing here). The colored lacings symbolized the rainbow, which represented both good fortune and fleeting beauty. The breastplate is covered with stenciled leather bearing the image of the powerful Buddhist deity Fudō Myō-ō, whose fierce mien and attributes of calmness and inner strength were highly prized by the samurai. The helmet, long associated with this armor, dates from the middle of the fourteenth century.

Japanese suit of armour, 17th Century. Cincinnati Art Museum Japanese armour originated in the 4th century, with early cuirasses and helmets found in graves. During the Heian period (794–1185), distinctive samurai armour styles such as the ō-yoroi and dō-maru emerged, featuring lacquered leather and iron scales laced together with silk.

In the Sengoku period (1467–1615), warfare changed with the rise of ashigaru foot soldiers and the introduction of Portuguese matchlock guns. These developments led to the creation of tosei-gusoku ("modern armour"), which was lighter, simpler, and better suited to firearms.

Bronze ornament, Roman, 1st century AD

Silver mirror, Roman, 4th century AD

Marble Grave Stele of Parthenope the Dog 3rd century AD.

Found in the Castro area (acropolis) of Mytilene, Lesbos.

The epitaph tells us that:

'Here an owner has buried his playful dog, Parthenope, in gratitude for the happiness and mutual love that she brought him.'

Parthenope then addresses us directly:

'Having been a friend to my owner, I deserved this grave. Take the example of this memorial, and find yourself a loyal friend who is both ready to love you while you are alive and also care for you when you die.'

Limestone stela with images of the goddess Tanit, Neo-Punic, British Museum

Bronze cowrie container, China, Western Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 6 AD

Jar with mountain goats, Central Iran, 4000 - 3600 BC

Greek bust of Tritoness (a minor sea goddess and female counterpart to Triton) or Scylla

Hellenistic period, late 200s BCE

Roman bust of Gaia, originally used as decoration for a vessel

1st century CE

Stipatores, Equus Ductitius, Agasones, Americani, from "Courses de Testes et de Bagues Faittes par Roy et par les Princes et Signeurs de sa Cour, en l'annee 1662" (Grand Carrousel)

François Chauveau French

Israel Silvestre French

Author Charles Perrault French

1662–70

Consecrated sword with scabbard and baldric (1674–1676)

Gifted to Polish king Jan III Sobieski by Pope Innocent XI.

Wawel Royal Castle – State Art Collection

Blessed swords were ceremonial gifts traditionally presented by popes to Catholic rulers and military leaders in recognition of their service to the Church and the defense of Christendom. These swords were often accompanied by a consecrated hat and richly decorated with precious metals and gemstones.

Type: Consecrated sword

Overall length: 200.6 cm

Blade width: 6.8 cm

Origin: Rome, Papal States (1674–1676)

Material: steel, silver-gilt, wood, leather, silk, velvet, satin, gold thread, silver thread, pearl, ruby