Tosei Samurai Do
Gashira

Description

 The Tosei Dō is a style of chest armor which was one of the major components of Japanese armor worn by the samurai class and ashigaru (foot soldiers) of Feudal Japan. Our standard samurai Dō is crafted in the style of a traditional Yokohagi Okegawa ni-mai Dō . It was very popular during the Sengoku (Warring States) Period. The chest plate was made up of 12 individual iron lames (front + back) and riveted together. Okegawa means “tub-sided” and refers to the tub-like shape of the cuirass construction. Because the armor was designed with a single hinge under the left arm, it allowed the wearer to slide into the Dō and tie it closed from the other side. This style was commonly known as a “clam shell Dō ”. The most common Okegawa Dō in this time period was the Yokohagi, where the plates were riveted in horizontal rows.

The ita-mono plates became more common over the hon kozane (true scale). As a result, this armor style was faster to craft, more economical in design and offered more overall protection. It was a necessary part of modern Dō styles due to the evolving battlefield tactics and the introduction of firearms. This is why the Okegawa yoroi had become the most common style of armor used by all levels of samurai and their ashigaru during the 16 century.

This Gashira Class Tosei Yokohagi Okegawa Ni-Mai-Dō is a horizontal plated, “tub-sided”, 2 section chest design, joined together with a hinge, making a “clam shell” style of armor.  The Dō has horizontal, overlapping plates that are riveted together ( or countersunk), for smooth finish, The style creates a very strong, shock absorbing, layered Dō which is more economical, comfortable, lower maintenance and more reliable in battle than any of the previous designs. This Gashira Class Dō features a traditional pin hinge under the left armpit, which can be removed after with an attached cord can be adjusted, to make a simple ni-mai-Dō , to accommodate those with a larger or smaller chest.  The ita-mono utilize some spot welding to strengthen the design for safety, maintenance, and economic reasons. Removable Tate-Eri (shoulder padding with kikko plating) for added comfort and protection.

CHEST MONS: This Samurai Do can be ordered with a Mon painted onto the front plate. For an extra fee, you can select one from our list of Standard Mon’s, or have your own Crest applied for an additional fee.

To have your own Mon painted: #1:  Select the “Custom Mon” option. #2: Complete the purchase through our Shopping Cart. #3: Send a high quality image of the Mon / Logo to the confirmation email you receive from us.

Note: we handpaint these Mon’s, and they can only be simple “Clip-Art” style designs in a single color. If you would like a Mon but select a “Suna” type paint color, your Mon image may turn out blurry due to the paint texture.)

Features:  Traditional Tosei design. Gashira Class.

• Full sized and fully functional.
• Various paint, cotton lace, accessory, customization and sizing options available.  
• Optional kawa koshi tsuke (removable gasen / kusazuri).  
• Removable Tate-Eri.

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.  The Tosei Samurai Do Gashira 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.

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 

Additional information