Samurai Jingasa and Kusari Katabira

Samurai chain mail shirt: Kusari Katabira with kachimushi c.a. 1806

Kusari Katabira, literally “chainmail katabira”, was a shirt or jacket made of fabric to which metal rings (kusari) were sewn in various weaves. This garment was worn under or without armour for lightweight protection. It could compensate for gaps in the armour’s defences. Chain mail, even when made from imported metal, was not good as protection against a spear.

It was used from the Muromachi to the Edo period, particularly by guards, ninja, and travelling Samurai. This chain mail shirt probably belonged to Samurai Morikawa Sennojo Minamoto no Yoshitaka aged 28. The inner surface bears a Buddhist protective prayer, together with a dedication, the owner’s name, and the date of creation. It includes the classical formula “Namu Amida Butsu”, a blessing for the owner, and a record of time and place. Such inscriptions were common among samurai of the late Edo period, as they were believed to provide spiritual protection from death and suffering.
The front and back display dragonflies symbols (kachimushi) — emblems of victory and courage.

Hat: Jingasa with dragonflies

Another example of jingasa (Samurai hat) from the Edo period, with Samurai clan crest - golden Sakura flower kamon and kachimushi (dragonfly) motif decorations on black lacquer.