An inconspicuous piece of curved metal discovered in the Czech Republic by an amateur metal detectorist has proven a ...

When infantry warfare became the norm, armor lost its practicality and became a symbol of a samurai's power. The elaborate armor they commissioned involved dying, weaving, lacquer, and metal artisans.

Cincinnati Art Museum's "Dressed to Kill," on display through May 7, offers an up-close look at samurai armor, weapons and culture -- some pieces of which have never been displayed.

Stunning samurai armor, bathed in red, on exhibit at LACMA Warriors galloping on horseback are at the entry to the LACMA exhibition “Samurai.” (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) ...

Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller" is on view Through Aug. 3 at Tulsa's Philbrook Museum of Art.

Some, including 10 full suits of armor, have never been displayed in public. Samurai, the middle and upper ranks of the Japanese warrior class from 1185 to 1868, defended the imperial court.