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)