Helmet in the painting

For a related story (see end of this marker), curator Fresco Sam-Sin interviewed me about my work. One aspect that he highlighted is that I believe that research and trade should go hand in hand. I am convinced that a lot is to be gained by combining the knowledge that is stored in museums and their curators with that of private collections and their owners, or traders in my case.

One example of a disconnect of knowledge that came up during the interview with Sam-Sin had to do with this helmet and the elite troops that wore them. First read the following about a Chinese export painting, then listen to my remarks.

"Judging by the standards, among this group of archers they are apparently members of the same companies as the soldiers standing behind the Emperor, namely the Bordered Red. They are wearing ceremonial armor composed of separate elements held together by loops and buttons. Military dress was often quilted and set with thin sheets of metal with studs around them, which in their entirety appear to form a formidable suit of armor. A spear projects from the crown of the helmet (the only part of the outfit that is entirely made of metal), holding a tuft of dyed horsehair. It is notable that the color of the uniforms of the archers does not correspond with the color characteristic of their company. I have not been able to determine why the uniforms of the archers are not the colors of the Bordered Red company.
"