Date Masamune Samurai Armor Set SALE

Date Masamune Samurai Armor Set

In Stock – As Seen

Date Masamune, a legendary military tactician and one of the most formidable Daimyo, left an indelible mark on Japan’s history from the late Sengoku Era (Warring States) to the early Edo Era (Peaceful States). Renowned not only for his military prowess but also for his distinctive crescent moon maedate (helmet crest), Date Masamune’s legacy as the “One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshu” (dokuganryū 独眼竜) was further cemented by his missing right eye.

The Date clan favored the unique gomai-do (five-section cuirass), which became famously known as the Yukinoshita or “Sendai Do,” named after Sendai, the city founded by Date Masamune. This style of samurai cuirass, based on a yokohagi-okegawa do design with ito-mono plating, was highly regarded for its robustness, comfort, and the variety of options that allowed for a customized appearance.

At Iron Mountain Armory, our senior katchu-shi (Japanese armorer) have meticulously researched and handcrafted this modern reproduction of Daimyo Date Masamune’s armor, featuring a 32-plate suji-bachi kabuto (laminated helmet). We offer the flexibility to craft your suji-bachi kabuto with a different number of ken (plates) or in a different style, as per your preference. Additionally, we are more than happy to custom size and color your Date Masamune samurai armor set to match your exact specifications. Standard options have been pre-selected to help you design the armor set as seen in the image above.

Features: Taisho Quality

• As Seen – Ready To Ship
• Full sized and fully functional
• Height: 5′ 6″ ~ 5′ 10″ (160 ~ 183 cm)
• Chest: 39 ~ 43″ (99 ~ 109 cm)
• Traditionally crafted
• Gomai-do (4 section cuirass)

A gomai-do (五枚胴) is a type of dō (cuirass) used in traditional samurai armor. The term “gomai-do” translates to “five-plate cuirass,” which refers to the construction method where the armor’s main body is made up of five separate sections or plates. These plates are typically joined together by hinges or lacing, allowing the armor to be flexible while still providing significant protection.

The five plates are usually arranged as follows:

1. Front Plate: The central front piece that covers the chest.
2. Back Plate: The central back piece that covers the back.
3. Side Plates (Left and Right): Two plates on the sides that connect the front and back plates.
4. Lower Back Plate: An additional plate that extends below the main back plate to cover the lower back.

This design allowed for greater mobility and comfort compared to other cuirass styles. The gomai-do was popular among samurai during various periods because it offered a good balance of protection, flexibility, and ease of movement in battle. It also allowed for various aesthetic modifications, such as additional decorations or lacings, making it customizable to the wearer’s status and preferences.

References: Samurai Archives / Samurai Armour: Volume I: The Japanese Cuirass by Tervor Absolon