Ichimonji Gasa
(Flat Hat)

Ichimonji Gasa is a ‘straight-line hat’ also known as hira gasa ‘flat hat’ and worn almost exclusively by samurai.  Jingasa is made up of two words, jin (陣), means military, and kasa (笠) meaning hat; together “jingasa“.  Typically the ichimonji gasa were made from layers of paper or cloth, glued together and lacquered to hold the shape and waterproof the material.  The more robust jingasa are made of testu “iron or steel”. Although tetsu is slightly heavier, they offer the most protection.  Iron Mountain Armory crafts this ichimonji gasa from a thick 1 mm steel to offer the most protection.  Most ichimonji jingasa are black and feature the samurai family kamon (symbol) or the mon of the Daimyo he serves, painted in gold. A soft-metal kanamono resembling a tehen kanamono can be adorned at the top. A kasa jirushi no kan (ring) can be added at the back, to hold the agemaki bow.

Like the Ensui Jingasa, Mekure Toppai Gata Jingasa and Gashira Bajo Jingasa the Ichimonji Gasa features 4 loops attached to the inside of the Jingasa.  The loops support the rope which holds the samurai battle hat to the samurai’s head.  To help hold it in place and add comfort when wearing, a small pad or donate type ring is added at the top of the head.  With these features the jingasa would fit snugly and can even be used while on horse back, as long as the samurai was not riding with haste.