Canadians — what can you say that hasn’t been said? America’s Hat has spawned some great artists, world class musicians and genius comics, but has it ever birthed a man destined to build armor for cats and rats? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. Calgary born artist Jeff de Boer has created something which on paper sounds absolutely absurd, but is in reality…well, ridiculously abusrd. But damn bad ass. Growing up the son of a professional tin smith, de Boer was exposed to the endless possibilities of metal, and with this sacred knowledge he applied said skill to building intricate, mindblowing gladiator helmets, middle age jousting tournament armor, and samurai armor from the Edo Period for cats and rats (aka samurat). If you look at his work below, it is nothing short of stunning. I’m especially drawn to the gleaming silver tournement/jousting armor above; de Boer’s time spent apprenticing with a blacksmith and years dedicated to making jewelry is clear. Sure, they guy could spend his days making gold Flames NHL rings and intricate silver pendents depicting prairie scenes (or whatever else they have in Calgary), but instead he’s focused his art on making feline and rodent armor. Is there a Nobel Prize for this type of commitment? Kudos Jeff, your art is jaw dropping…
Check out the Samurai and Tournament Armor for Cats below, and hit the Jump to see another gallery of Samurai Armor for Rats…
via Laughing Squid
