02/04/2024
Li Wenzhong 李文忠 (1338-1384) was a renowned general and strategist during the Ming Dynasty. He initially joined Zhu Yuanzhang 朱元璋 and, at the age of nineteen, led troops to suppress rebellions that erupted in various regions towards the end of the Yuan Dynasty. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, he led military campaigns numerous times to conquer the remnants of the Mongol regime that retreated to the grasslands. He was bestowed the title of "Wu Jing King of Qiyang 岐阳武靖王" for his achievements. Descendants of the Li family inherited his title and nobility, and the family lineage continued for over six hundred years.
The "Li Wenzhong Family Heritage Exhibition," organized by the National Museum of China, commenced in early 2024, showcasing hundreds of artifacts belonging to the Li family lineage.
This exquisite set of leather armor is an heirloom of Li Wenzhong. There are two sets in total, each consisting of protective armor for the chest and abdomen, as well as for the back. They share a similar design, appearing trapezoidal in shape. The lamellar are made of rhino skin, coated with black lacquer and sprinkled and inlaid with powdered shell The lamellar are laced with silk cords. Both armor are adorned with patterns painted in gold lacquer. The chest armor features a central motif of a five-clawed dragon, surrounded by decorative bands of intertwined floral patterns along the edges. Based on the stylistic characteristics of the dragon's facial features, it can be inferred that the design dates back to the late Ming Dynasty, possibly added by Li Wenzhong's descendants.
