India, Feb. 14 -- At their peak, in the 17th and 18th centuries, there were an estimated 1 million to 3 million samurai. These ranged from the shogun or military ruler and his generals to feudal lords and administrators, all the way down to personal guards. Half of these samurai were women. Elegant silk firefighting uniforms on display at the exhibition suggest that some specialised in battling fires within the largely wooden city of Edo (now Tokyo) too.

What other surprises lie in wait, at the British Museum exhibition on 1,000 years of samurai history? Click here to take a look. Keep scrolling, for more from the exhibition.

A surcoat or protective garment worn over armour that possibly belonged to legendary samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi ...