Mulan 花木兰 (More Historically Authentic)
An interpretation of what the historical Mulan might look like in Northern Wei (386–535) armor. Her armor's design is based on that of the armors of Northern dynasty tomb guardians. Many elite soldiers wore such distinctive helmets with an upswept peak at the front. They wore distinctive torso armors with mirror like circular chest plates. A number of them also included numerous additional pads under the pauldrons. Unfortunately no intact armors of such soldiers have been recovered and their various figurines showed different constructions. Many Northern dynasty horsemen also wore a half slung riding coat.
Northern Tomb Guardian Figurine. Many such soldiers wore distinctive helmets with an upswept peak at the front and a ridge in the center. They wear distinctive torso armors with mirror like chest plates. Note the 3 pads under the pauldron.
An interpretation of such armored soldiers on horseback. Both the northern warrior and also their steed are armored almost entirely in armor.
Northern cataphract. Northern Wei and many of the later northern dynasties (Northern Qi and Zhou that were successors to the Northern Wei) deployed cataphracts as their elite forces. This trend continued until the appearance of the Gokturks.
Diagram of a northern cataphract's barding (horse armor) Notice the distinctive "Jisheng" piece of decorated tall feather plume on the back of the horse.
Northern cataphract with a half slung riding coat (presumably red since many Norhtern Wei soldiers are depicted wearing red) and round smooth collar. A great number of Northern horsemen are shown with half slung riding coats and capes.
