The history of the Japanese Samurai warrior is filled with time-honored traditions that affect the manufacture and appearance of a suit of armor. Two kote, or sleeves, from a Samurai suit of armor belonging to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology are presented in historical context. The kote are complex composite objects made from a range of materials, including brocaded satin silk fabric, braided silk, lacquered or plated iron, ivory, bone and horn. Both analytical and historical research were used to examine the methods of manufacture of these objects. One kote had suffered extensive water damage, resulting in mold, heavy soiling, metal corrosion, and loss of lacquer. The second kote was not damaged by the flood, but did show wear and damage consistent with its age. Treatment challenges included cleaning fabric with metal attachments and preserving brittle lacquer over the corroding metal. -- MCI