Samurai Do is a type of a Japanese body armour similar to a European cuirass that was worn by samurai during the time of feudal Japan. Depending on the style of a particular samurai Do, it could be a part of the O-Yoroi (samurai full armour). The Do was the main and most...[more]

Haidate (thigh-plates) was additional thigh protection for foot combat. It was not always worn; many samurai preferred to keep greater mobility. Haidate give no protection against attacks from behind. They might be strapped to the leg or left flapping loose, in which case...[more]

A kabuto is a helmet used with traditional Japanese armour as worn by samurai. It features a strong bowl, the "hachi", which protects the crown of the head, a suspended series of articulated plates (the "shikoro") to protect the neck, and often a crest of the clan (mon)....[more]

The Kote or arm guards where originally a leather sleeve covering the left arm to protect the arm when using a bow.  In the early development stage kote where little armor other than a leather lining. Around the 10th century a right kote began to emerge, other...[more]

A menpo is a face mask on a Japanese samurai kabuto (helmet). Menpo take many forms. They may be made from leather or metal and can have a lacquered finish. The mask can also include a variety of facial details such as moustaches, fierce teeth and color.   Size: one...[more]

The shoulder guards (sode) protect the shoulders and the arms from the elbows to the shoulders. Sode construction varied from period to period, and in some types of armours are merely vestigial. Despite all the transformations, they were always in use, giving the armour its...[more]

Suneate literally shinguards a popular type of component within the average attire of the samurai class during the Sengoku period of Japan. The Suneate consisted of vertical plates that are connected by either that of hinges or chain mail, and sometimes textile material. The...[more]