Suits of armour and firearms from Italy's past will capture the
attention of visitors at China National Museum. Running till
November 11, the Ancient Italian Armour and Weapons exhibition is a
window into the military tactics and culture, as well as the
knights' society, from the 15th to 18th centuries.
The 57 exhibits include suits of armour, halberds, helmets,
sallets and firearms, show off the technical expertise and refined
decorative taste of the Italian master armourers.
The function of armour went through a series of changes over the
past centuries in Italian history.
Since the 15th century until the first half of the 16th century,
armour was used both by cavalry and infantry. The full armour of
this period is composed of a closed helmet, and breast and back
plates. Even the horse was protected on the head and on the body.
This kind of covering was used both by knights and infantrymen and
was accompanied by a long, thin and flexible sword used for elegant
fencing.
During the second half of the 16th century, the armour gradually
lost its military value because of the proliferation of the
firearm. The nobles didn't wear the armour only for fighting, but
also for ceremonies or parades. It became a way to show the
knight's social status and a way to manifest prestige.
The 17th century witnessed the reduction of armour's protective
efficiency of vital parts, namely, the breast and head. Instead,
there was great development of the sword, which was the primary
weapon.
As an event of the Year of Italy in China, this exhibition,
presented by the Italian Brescia Armour Museum and Angelo Marzoli
Association, is to tour Shanghai.
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Nov. 4-11
Address: China National Museum, East of
Tian'anmen Square.
Tel: (+86)10-6512-8901.
(China Daily October 27, 2006)
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