The Kiritsuke Iyozane Okegawa Do is a lamellae style armor of the 16th century commonly used by high ranking samurai and Daimyo during the late Sengoku era. It opens under the right arm like other armors of its time. It features kiritsuke iyozane, which simulated wide scale plates along a “sane-ita”, or “ita-zane” plate design. Sugake Odoshi style lacing, referred to as “‘simple hang,”. This helped make this Tosei (modern) style of do to resemble the more traditional “hon iyo-zane”, which was crafted with individual wide scale plates laced together. This tosei design had the same look as the more traditional design but at half the cost, was more robust on the battlefield and easier to maintain.
History: The full name for this particular traditional do, or breastplate, is “Kiritsuke-Iyozane Sugake Odoshi Gendai Okegawa Ni-Mai-Do”. This particular Ni-mai, or two piece style of do, is more complicated to craft then the standard ito-mono okegawa do with riveted lamelle, making it more costly, thus common amongst higher ranking samurai. The overall simplicity in design, comfort and easy maintenance made it very reliable in battle.
Features: Traditional Gashira Class Kiritsuke Iyozane Okegawa design.
- Full sized and fully functional.
- Various paint, mon, cotton odoshi, accessory, customization and sizing options available.
- Optional kawa koshi tsuke (removable gasen / kusazuri). Removable Tate-Eri.
Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 1 to 2 weeks, depending on options selected, and other scheduled orders, for the custom handcrafting of your reproduction samurai item. |
Ordering Tips: Iron Mountain Armory recommends that you order one size larger AND one size shorter than the size required, as the armor is close fitting. The armor can close into itself if too big, but will be a little uncomfortable if fitted too tall. If you’re planning on wearing a yoroi hitatar or a kikko gane do under your armor, we suggest adding 10 cm to your chest size when ordering. Like other Okegawa Do it features a pin hinge under the left armpit, which can be removed to make it a traditional Ni-Mai Do, after which you can attach a through the hinge.
To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.
For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service. |
References: “Samurai Armour: Volume I: The Japanese Cuirass” by Trevor Absolon / “Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868″ by Kazutoshi Harada, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Great product and quality. From the customer service to the final delivered product, great all around.
Great fit, very comfortable to wear and surprisingly light. Customer services and care in handling my order was A+
For the quality and price I think I got what I paid for. Overall very happy with the good fit and services.