The Coloring Book of Armor

The Coloring Book of Armor showcases a remarkable selection of armor in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, giving artists of all ages the opportunity to explore a wide range of designs from a variety of countries.

Armor was initially developed for the practical purpose of protecting the wearer from injury, but it also fulfilled other functions.

When decorated with magical or religious symbols and texts, it could invoke the powerful assistance of outside forces, including gods.

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.

Here there are more than 40 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 striking 19th-century appliqued tunic from Sudan.

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.

A delightful introduction to an extraordinary art form, this volume will inspire you to learn more about armor and what it can tell us about our ancestors and different traditions and cultures from around the world.