Kataginu
(Samurai Vest)

Description

Kataginu are vest like clothing items worn by the ruling samurai class of the Sengoku and Edo Era of Japan. They were often crafted using the same fabric as the hakama and were open under the arms, making them a “sideless” samurai vest.  Samurai would always wear the kataginu over their kimono whenever in public, as a mark of their class.   When worn with a hakama, the clothing set would be referred to as a kataginu kamishimo. If the samurai vest material does not match the hakama, it  typically denotes the samurai is of low rank and the vest will then likely match the family or clan color, in which the samurai serves under.  On formal occasions the samurai will have the kamon or family / clan symbol on the lapel of the kataginu. However during informal occasions  a simple solid color, maybe with stripes or some pattern, would be worn.

Muromachi Era Kataginu have wide lapels giving the vest a rectangular shape.  The Edo Era Kataginu feature broad-shoulders that are pleated down to the collar in front and have a narrow lapel.

Features:

• Traditional Design
• Traditional Materials
• Historically Accurate

This Traditional Kataginu is handmade by Iron Mountain Armory at the time of your order. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks for crafting of this item. Please note extra time may be needed if selected material are not readily available.

Accessories:

• Hikitate Eboshi – Add a traditional cloth hat to your order, traditionally worn by Samurai
• Sarashi Belt – A traditional long cotton belt, used by Samurai to to secure their katana
• Waraji Sandals – Bamboo straw sandals commonly used by samurai
• Waraji-Gake – Traditional type of Japanese sock that is to be worn together with the Waraji sandals
• Tabi Socks – Two toe section sock for use with sandals
• Yugake – Traditional samurai gloves

Additional information